Postcolonial People: The Return from Africa and the Remaking of Portugal

Postcolonial People examines the processes and consequences of decolonization through the experiences of over half a million Portuguese settlers who returned to their country of origin and citizenship after the 1974 Carnation Revolution. It explores migration, refugeeness, and integration to expose an apparent paradox: the end of empire and the return migrations it triggered belong to a global history of the twentieth century, but they have reinforced the primacy of the nation-state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Postcolonial People delves into the intricate processes and far-reaching consequences of decolonization by examining the experiences of over half a million Portuguese settlers who returned to their country of origin and citizenship after the 1974 Carnation Revolution. This groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive exploration of the returnees' history and memory, shedding light on the complex dynamics of colonial racism and its enduring legacies. Through its in-depth analysis of migration, refugeeness, and integration, Postcolonial People challenges the notion that the end of empire and the return migrations it sparked are solely confined to a local or regional context. Instead, it reveals these events as part of a broader global history of the twentieth century, intricately shaped by transnational dynamics.

Despite the profound impact of these transnational forces, the book argues that the nation-state remains the dominant political entity in the world. The end of empire and the return migrations have not undermined the primacy of the nation-state, but rather reinforced it. This paradoxical outcome highlights the enduring power of national identities and the challenges faced by postcolonial societies in navigating the complex web of global connections and interdependencies.

Postcolonial People is a valuable contribution to the field of postcolonial studies, offering a fresh perspective on the aftermath of empire and the enduring legacies of colonialism. By examining the experiences of the Portuguese returnees, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between national identity, migration, and the global political landscape. It prompts us to reevaluate our understanding of the past and the ongoing struggles for justice and equality in the world today.

Weight: 677g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108837699