Foucault’s Orient: The Conundrum of Cultural Difference, from Tunisia to Japan

Michel Foucault's experiences in non-Western countries, particularly Tunisia, Iran, and Japan, significantly influenced his philosophical concepts, yet these influences have been understudied. Marnia Lazreg's book 'Foucault’s Orient' reveals that Foucault's encounters with cultural difference shaped his thoughts on power, discourse, and political spirituality, challenging Western-centric perspectives. Through extensive archival research and interviews, Lazreg demonstrates how Foucault's travels led to the development of key concepts like heterotopia and political spirituality, while also highlighting his paradoxical relationship with cultural otherness and colonialism.

Medien, K. (2019). Foucault’s Orient: The Conundrum of Cultural Difference, from Tunisia to Japan. Journal of Middle East Women’s Studies, 15(2), 229–231. https://doi.org/10.1215/15525864-7491115