Racism is behind outlandish theories about Africa’s ancient architecture
The belief that ancient Egyptians needed help from supernatural beings to built the Giza pyramids relies, unavoidably, on racism and colonial attitudes.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Colonialism
Displaying 1 - 20 of 106 articles
The S-word: Just stop using it
The word Squ-w has an innocent origin, but its use in English has long been derogatory and racist. Place names which use this word should be changed.
Monumental errors: how Australia can fix its racist colonial statues
A Fremantle monument to three white explorers was revised in 1994 to acknowledge the violence committed against Indigenous owners. As Australia struggles to reconcile its racist past, perhaps this monument shows a way forward.
The politics of public monuments: it’s time Australians looked at what, and whom, we commemorate
Many of our public commemorations honour people and incidents that brought great harm to others. We need to look at what that says about us, and how we build more inclusive public memorials.
For many in Puerto Rico, ‘energy dominance’ is just a new name for US colonialism
In Puerto Rico the Trump administration's 'energy dominance' policy echoes colonial practices by fast-forwarding fossil fuel projects over community resistance.
India’s torture record is dire – but Britain has little to crow about
There is something disconcerting about the Western move to denounce the human rights records of post-colonial states.
Colonialism in India was traumatic – including for some of the British officials who ruled the Raj
How one member of the Indian Civil Service coped with being a colonial usurper.
What the Djibouti military base tells us about China’s growing role in Africa
China's presence in Africa continues to grow with its first military base in Djibouti. It wants to be a friend to Africa positioning itself as a global power while looking after its own interests.
The global food system still benefits the rich at the expense of the poor
Global food system issues can be traced to colonial history. It's time food production became more sustainable so that it meets the needs of people - equally.
Finally facing our water-loo: it’s time to decolonise sewerage systems
Modern sewerage infrastructure, exported from Britain to the globe, is entirely dependent on water. In a world of growing climate extremes, it's time to look beyond this colonial legacy.
A man called Hope: the legacy of Namibia’s Andimba Toivo ya Toivo
Namibian hero and former Robben Island prisoner Toivo ya Toivo was part of a generation who contributed to the struggles against apartheid and colonialism in the region.
What we can learn about fighting inequality from Australia’s convict past
The experience of Australia's first century shows that it's possible to achieve fast growth, and at the same time, a reduction in inequality.
Hong Kong marks 20 years since handover as China tightens its grip
Beijing's plans for Hong Kong aren't going down well with all its post-colonial subjects.
South Africa’s main opposition party can’t cure its foot-in-mouth syndrome
With the ANC in crisis, the Democratic Alliance seemed to be getting it right. But then came a flurry of inexplicably tactless tweets.
Puerto Rico votes on statehood: Polls and protests
Some Puerto Ricans voted, but most stayed home amid a looming financial debt crisis and political protests. Will this vote matter?
It will take critical, thorough scrutiny to truly decolonise knowledge
Critical decolonisation means accepting risk of error. It means considering whether indigenous knowledge systems might contain truths that western science hasn't accessed.
France and Africa: Macron’s rhetoric shouldn’t be confused with reality
Despite being led by different presidents over the past six decades, the French government's policy on Africa has been faithful to its neo-colonial roots. Will Macron's government be any different?
The pros and cons of commercial farming models in Africa
Many African countries are still searching for inclusive commercial farming models that can bring in private investment without dispossessing local people.
4 things to know about North and South Korea
North and South Korea explained in four questions and answers.
African history is a discipline on the rise – and one that raises many questions
A global approach to African history complements the radical post-colonial histories, while also asserting the role of the continent in the world's global pasts and present.
Top contributors
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Senior Lecturer in Indian and Colonial History, University of Liverpool
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Professorial Fellow, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex
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Emeritus Professor of History, Lancaster University
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Post-doctoral Fellow in French Langauge and Culture, University of Westminster
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Emeritus Professor, Rhodes University
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Professor of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand
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South African visual artist and senior lecturer of Art History and Visual Culture at Rhodes University, Rhodes University
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Director and Assistant Professor Measurement & Evaluation School of Professional and Extended Studies, American University
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Associate Professor in Colonial and Indigenous History and Australian Research Council Future Fellow, La Trobe University
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Teaching Associate, Monash University
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Professor of Journalism, City, University of London
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Lecturer in Sociology and Policy, Aston University
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Director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and Professor of British and Commonwealth History, School of Advanced Study
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Research associate, University of Oxford
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