Visual Appropriation: A Self-reflexive Qualitative Method for Visual Analysis of the International

Abstract

This article introduces visual appropriation as a method in critical internationalpolitical thinking and acting, contributing to the evolving repertoireof multiple, pluralist methods for visual analysis of international relationsoperating in a digital visual environment.We define appropriation asreuse of existing visual material—either in its entirety or in part—withoutsubstantially altering the immanent characteristics of the appropriated material.As appropriators, scholars are producers of images who capitalizeon and actively participate in digital visuality (seeing–changing–sharing).Appropriators are both image-analysts and image-actors but distinct fromboth, contributing not only to the visual analysis, but also to the visual construction of international relations. Approaching the international throughappropriation grants researchers increased agency and responsibility vis-à-visexisting visual materials “out-there.” Rather than exploring a digitalspace of visual images produced and appropriated by others, researchersconsciously and deliberately partake in the production and disseminationof images. As a result, we highlight how we—as scholars and as citizens—are facing research-ethical problematiques linked to ways of showing andseeing inevitably emanating from appropriation.