The Planning Moment: Colonial and Postcolonial Histories

The Planning Moment examines the ways in which plans and planning practices have pervaded recent global history, through a range of disciplines such as the history of science, science and technology studies, colonial and postcolonial studies, urban studies, and the history of knowledge. It reveals the often disruptive and violent processes of erasure in imperial planning by examining how "common sense" was produced and how the intransigence of planning persists long after decolonization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2024
Publisher: Fordham University Press

The impact of empires and their legacies on the world has been profound, extending far beyond the boundaries of political geography. Over the past two centuries, the natural and social sciences have emerged as crucial modes of knowledge production for imperial planning. However, these connections have often been overlooked or underappreciated in the broader history of science and its related fields.

In his book, "The Planning Moment," Benjamin Allen delves into the intricate ways in which plans and planning practices have shaped recent global history. The book is organized around twenty-seven concise case studies, each exploring the central role of planning in various colonial and postcolonial contexts, relationships, and environments across a diverse range of disciplines. These disciplines include the history of science, science and technology studies, colonial and postcolonial studies, urban studies, and the history of knowledge.

Through these case studies, Allen highlights how colonialism created certain landscapes, populations, and institutions while simultaneously obscuring others. He also exposes the often disruptive and violent processes of erasure that occurred in imperial planning by examining how "common sense" was produced and how the rigidity of planning persisted even after decolonization. By recognizing the resistance and subversion that often confronted colonial plans, the book makes visible a range of strategies and techniques by which planning was modified and reappropriated, and by which decolonial futures might be imagined.

Contributors to "The Planning Moment" include renowned scholars from around the world, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. The book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex relationship between empires, planning, and knowledge production, providing valuable insights into the ongoing legacies of imperialism and the potential for decolonial futures.

In conclusion, "The Planning Moment" is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the profound impact of empires and their legacies on the world. By examining the ways in which plans and planning practices have shaped global history, the book offers a valuable contribution to the fields of history, science, and beyond. It encourages us to reevaluate our understanding of the past and to consider the possibilities for a more just and equitable future.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531506636