Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning

The Sunday Times Bestseller

A new assessment of the West’s colonial record

In the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet empire in 1989, many believed that we had arrived at the ‘End of History’ – that the global dominance of liberal democracy had been secured forever.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

In the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet empire in 1989, there was a widespread belief that the era of liberal democracy had reached its pinnacle and would endure indefinitely. However, the events of recent years have brought forth a different perspective. With Russia's aggressive stance towards Europe and China's rise as a global power, the liberal West faces significant challenges. These threats are not solely external; they also stem from within, particularly in the Anglosphere, where the "decolonization movement" undermines the West's self-confidence by portraying the history of European and American colonial dominance as a narrative of racism, exploitation, and immense violence.

To address these critical questions, Nigel Biggar has written a comprehensive book titled "The End of the British Empire: A New Assessment." The book is divided into eight chapters, each delving into different aspects of the Empire's history and legacy. In the first chapter, Biggar examines the motivations behind the British Empire's expansion. He questions whether greed and the desire for dominance were the primary drivers, or if there were other factors at play. He also explores the issue of whether colonialism and slavery should be considered synonymous, or if they represent distinct phenomena.

Biggar challenges the notion that the Empire was inherently racist and argues that it was driven by a variety of factors, including economic exploitation, political influence, and cultural exchange. He examines the extent to which land theft played a role in the Empire's expansion and whether genocide was a deliberate policy. He also questions whether the Empire's violence was predominantly racist and terroristic.

Throughout the book, Biggar makes clear that the British Empire, like any other long-standing state, had its share of injustices and shortcomings. He acknowledges instances of appalling incompetence and presides over moments of dreadful tragedy. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that the Empire was committed to abolishing the slave trade in the early 1800s, driven by a Christian conviction of the fundamental equality of all human beings. The Empire also played a significant role in ending endemic inter-tribal warfare and promoting economic development by opening local economies to global trade.

In conclusion, "The End of the British Empire: A New Assessment" is a thought-provoking book that challenges the prevailing narratives about the Empire's history and legacy. By examining the various factors that shaped the Empire, Biggar provides a nuanced and comprehensive analysis that sheds light on its complex and multifaceted nature. The book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about colonialism, imperialism, and the legacies of historical power structures.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 199 x 130 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008511678