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: Paperback / softback
Length: 379 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
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, Postcolonial People argues that the nation-state remains the dominant political entity in the world. In fact, the end of empire and the return migrations have, in some ways, reinforced the primacy of the nation-state. The returnees bring with them a wealth of experiences, knowledge, and cultural practices that can contribute to the development of their home countries. However, they also face challenges in integrating into their former colonies, as they are often viewed as outsiders or immigrants by the local populations.

Postcolonial People is a valuable contribution to the field of postcolonial studies, offering a fresh perspective on the complex relationship between empire, migration, and national identity. It sheds light on the ways in which the end of empire has shaped the lives of individuals and communities, and challenges us to think critically about the ongoing legacies of colonialism and its impact on the world today.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108931595