Interdependency Theory and the Two Approaches to the Global War on Terror
John Helis

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review some of the most pertinent literature in each of the two general approaches on the global war of terror, namely the analysis of American empire, imperial power or colonialism on the one hand, and the ‘state of exception’ on the other. Both approaches present unique understandings of the global war on terror, although neither can present a comprehensive account on their own. As such, an attempt will be made to capture the pertinent points of both approaches through the unique theory of Peter Fitzpatrick and Richard Joyce on the interdependence of law, sovereignty, democracy and empire. This theoretical framework not only presents the critical linkage between the two general approaches, but it also provides an opportunity to consider the war on terror as a telling case in understanding the nature of these four foundational principles.

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