Decolonizing Palestine: Hamas between the Anticolonial and the Postcolonial

Somdeep Sen examines the Palestinian struggle for liberation from its settler colonial condition as a complex psychological and empirical mix of the colonial and the postcolonial, challenging the notion of a singular moment of liberation. He argues that Hamas maintains both anticolonial and postcolonial modes of politics, presenting a puzzle for the study of liberation movements and postcolonial studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2020
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In his insightful book, Decolonizing Palestine, Somdeep Sen challenges the notion that the process of liberation from colonialism can be neatly encapsulated in a single historical moment when the colonizer is vanquished by the colonized. Instead, he delves into the intricate and multifaceted reality of the Palestinian struggle for freedom from its settler-colonial predicament. Sen recognizes that the Palestinian struggle is a complex amalgamation of psychological and empirical factors, drawing upon both the legacies of colonialism and the postcolonial era.

One of the key aspects of Sen's analysis is his examination of the two seemingly contradictory but coexisting anticolonial and postcolonial modes of politics adopted by Hamas following its unexpected victory in the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council election. Despite the predictions of experts, Hamas has managed to persist as both an armed resistance to Israeli settler colonial rule and as a governing body. This paradoxical nature of Hamas presents a challenge that goes beyond simply predicting the timing or trajectory of its abandonment of either role.

Sen's book, Decolonizing Palestine, is grounded in extensive ethnographic research conducted in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Israel, and Egypt. Through his meticulous analysis of the social, political, and cultural dynamics at play, Sen seeks to unravel the puzzle that Hamas presents. He argues that the challenge lies not in predicting the eventual outcome of Hamas's dual roles but in understanding how and why it has maintained both simultaneously.

Sen's book offers valuable insights into the complexities of liberation movements and postcolonial studies more broadly. It challenges the notion of linear progress and highlights the ongoing struggles and complexities that arise in the aftermath of colonialism. By examining the case of Hamas, Sen sheds light on the challenges faced by resistance movements as they navigate the transition from armed struggle to governance, and the implications this has for the broader political landscape.

In conclusion, Decolonizing Palestine is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on the Palestinian struggle for liberation. Sen's nuanced analysis challenges conventional narratives and sheds light on the complex web of factors that shape the Palestinian experience. Through his ethnographic research and critical analysis, Sen provides a valuable contribution to the study of liberation movements and postcolonial studies, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities of decolonization.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501752742