Achille Mbembe, the philosopher who developed the concept of necropolitics, has been at the center of several controversies, particularly regarding his views on colonialism, apartheid, and Israel-Palestine relations. Below are the major controversies associated with Mbembe:
1. Accusations of Antisemitism
In 2020, Achille Mbembe faced accusations of antisemitism and anti-Zionism from German officials, notably Felix Klein, Germany’s commissioner for combating antisemitism. The controversy arose when Mbembe was invited to deliver the keynote speech at the Ruhrtriennale Festival in Germany. Critics argued that:
Comparison of Israel to Apartheid South Africa: Mbembe has drawn parallels between Israeli policies toward Palestinians and apartheid in South Africa. He has described the occupied Palestinian territories as “death-worlds,” invoking his concept of necropolitics. This comparison was seen by some as delegitimizing Israel and reinforcing antisemitic tropes.
Support for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS): Mbembe has expressed support for the BDS movement, which advocates for nonviolent measures to pressure Israel regarding its treatment of Palestinians. In Germany, BDS is widely considered antisemitic, and support for it is highly controversial.
Mbembe and his defenders, however, rejected these accusations, arguing that his criticism of Israeli policies was political, not antisemitic, and rooted in his broader critique of colonialism and necropolitics. Prominent intellectuals, including Judith Butler and Noam Chomsky, publicly defended him.
2. Criticism of Eurocentrism and Colonial Legacy
Mbembe’s broader critique of European colonialism and its lingering effects on the modern world has also sparked controversy, particularly in France and other former colonial powers. His work challenges the dominant narratives about European “civilizing missions” and exposes the violence and exploitation underlying colonial empires. This has led to:
Backlash from Conservative Circles: Critics have accused him of promoting a victimhood narrative and undermining Western achievements.
Debates About Postcolonialism: Some scholars and commentators see his views as overly critical of Europe and dismissive of its contributions to democracy and human rights, accusing him of fostering division rather than reconciliation.
3. Public Debates on Necropolitics and Its Application
Mbembe’s concept of necropolitics - the use of power to expose populations to death - has been highly influential but controversial in its application. For example:
Application to Israel-Palestine: As noted, Mbembe’s use of necropolitics to describe Israel’s treatment of Palestinians has been polarizing. While some view it as a powerful critique of occupation and dispossession, others see it as inflammatory or one-sided.
Critiques of His Methodology: Some scholars have criticized Mbembe’s theoretical approach as overly poetic or ambiguous, questioning its applicability to concrete political situations.
4. Cultural Controversies in South Africa
As a Cameroonian-born intellectual who spent much of his academic career in South Africa, Mbembe has also sparked debates within the South African context, particularly regarding his views on:
Race and Reconciliation: Mbembe’s writings on post-apartheid South Africa often critique the failures of reconciliation and the persistence of racial and economic inequality. His critique of the African National Congress (ANC) and neoliberal policies has made him both influential and controversial in South African intellectual circles.
Conclusion
The controversies surrounding Achille Mbembe reflect the provocative and critical nature of his work, which challenges entrenched power structures and narratives about colonialism, race, and politics. While celebrated for his intellectual contributions, he remains a polarizing figure, particularly in debates about Israel-Palestine and postcolonial critique.
