Citizens and Subjects of the Italian Colonies: Legal Constructions and Social Practices, 1882-1943

This book explores Italian colonialism's complex dynamics of citizenship/subjecthood, highlighting the diverse responses of local populations to colonial policies and the construction of social identities. It provides an unprecedented account of a heterogeneous geographical area, including Eritrea, Libya, Dodecanese, Ethiopia, and Albania.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking work is the first book on Italian colonialism to delve into the complex issue of citizenship/subjecthood, providing a comprehensive and unprecedented account of a diverse geographical area. The chapters within this book offer a unique perspective on the multifaceted nature of citizenship and subjecthood in the colonial context. Through a detailed examination of cases such as Eritrea, Libya, the Dodecanese, Ethiopia, and Albania, the book demonstrates how these concepts were employed as flexible political tools that were shaped by the orientations of the Metropole and the unique challenges posed by the colonial societies.

The cases of Eritrea, Libya, the Dodecanese, Ethiopia, and Albania serve as a testament to the dynamic nature of citizenship and subjecthood in the colonial realm. These societies exhibited a range of responses, from submission and cooptation to resistance, as they navigated the complex web of power dynamics and cultural influences.

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the various policies of citizenship implemented in the Italian colonies. It explores the construction of gradated forms of citizenship, the repression and expulsion of dissidents, the systems of endearment of local people and cooptation of elites, and the racialization of legal status. These policies were designed to maintain control and exploit the resources of the colonial territories, while also attempting to integrate the local populations into the colonial fold.

However, the local populations responded to these policies in diverse ways. Some engaged in resistance, seeking to reclaim their autonomy and cultural identity. Others negotiated with the colonial power, seeking to exploit the benefits of collaboration while preserving their traditions and customs. Still, others constructed social identities that were a blend of local and colonial elements, creating new forms of belonging and resistance.

The book's exploration of the complex interplay between the Metropole and the local populations highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of power and resistance in the colonial context. It sheds light on the ways in which colonialism shaped not only the political and social landscapes of the colonies but also the identities and experiences of the individuals who lived within them.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking work is a vital contribution to the study of Italian colonialism and citizenship/subjecthood. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of a diverse geographical area, offering a rich understanding of the complex dynamics of power, resistance, and social identity in the colonial context. The book's insights will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and students of history, politics, and cultural studies.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367621643