Critical Perspectives on Internationalization

The theme for this issue of the Global Studies Literature Review is "critical perspectives on internationalization." This theme reflects the growing scrutiny of international higher education in the early twenty-first century. Some scholars are predicting internationalization's "end" or "mid-life crisis."

While our review of recent literature supports this somewhat tenuous view of the state of the field, the pieces featured here also suggest not an "end" but an "opening up"—what might be called the internationalization of international higher education. We might be reaching a turning point where internationalization advances to new theoretical frontiers and new levels of experimentation.

Several review essays highlight this intriguing aspect of the mid-life crisis. In his review of two new books, James O'Meara argues that internationalization should not be viewed monolithically, but rather as a divergent set of practices. As with many "internationalizations," O'Meara champions practices that address global knowledge inequalities and power dynamics. Bryan McAllister-Grande considers the work of Josef Mestenhauser and the recent history of the internationalization movement. Emily Gorlewski reviews the new SAGE Handbook of International Higher Education, finding that the contributors not only summarize the major theories of the field but also include non-Western ideas and sources. Contributions from Krishna Bista and Timothy Lynn Elliott explore some of the latest books in international student affairs and education abroad, respectively.

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From the Editors

Introductions

Reviews

Critiques and Reform of Higher Education
Intercultural Communication & Language Education
International Education & Student Affairs
Internationalization & Higher Education: General
Social Justice and Human Rights

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