Antoniette Burton (ed)'s "After the Imperial Turn: Thinking with and Through the Nation" (Book Note)

 

"After the Imperial Turn" presents a collection of twenty-one essays that challenge the conventional understanding of the "modern, Western, Euro-American nation" as the primary analytical category for studying history and culture. Edited by Burton, this thought-provoking compilation is driven by a desire to explore the impact of imperialism on metropolitan societies following decolonization, as well as racial and feminist struggles in recent decades. While acknowledging the intersection between this subfield and postcolonialism, Burton distinguishes them, positioning herself as a proponent of the "imperial turn."

 

The volume is divided into three parts, with the first section, "Nations, Empires, Disciplines: Thinking beyond the Boundaries," focusing primarily on Britain due to its pivotal role as an empire. The essays offer diverse disciplinary perspectives on empire and nation, prompting critical reflections on how we conceptualize, write about, and teach these subjects. While some authors emphasize the continued significance of the nation-state, others, like Tony Ballantyne, emphasize the need to consider horizontal linkages between British colonies and vertical connections with the metropolis.

 

Part two, "Fortresses and Frontiers: Beyond and Within," shifts the focus to France, Germany, and Spain, providing a counterpoint to the Anglocentric approach. Notably, Josep M. Fradera's essay challenges prevailing notions of Spanish colonialism, contending that biases against Spain have led to misconceptions about its history. Fradera argues for a reevaluation of Spanish imperialism, emphasizing its foundational role in European expansionism and today's globalized world. Similarly, Lora Wildenthal underscores the relevance of Germany's colonial past in understanding contemporary issues of racism.

 

The final section, "Reorienting the Nation: Logics of Empire, Colony, Globe," features essays that push the boundaries of the imperial turn. While some essays may appear loosely tied to the themes of empire and colony, others, like Clement Hawes's exploration of anticolonialism and modernity in Samuel Johnson's writings, remain directly relevant. Karen Fang's examination of the Royal Hong Kong Police provides a nuanced perspective on a specific British legacy, highlighting its complexity.

 

The volume is enriched with comprehensive reference notes and a well-curated bibliography, making it a valuable scholarly resource. It prompts reflection on whether national histories, particularly in the case of the United States, might benefit from a more outward-looking approach. Additionally, it raises questions about the perceived dichotomy between nation and empire. Ultimately, the book leaves readers pondering essential questions about our shared past and current challenges.

 

In the context of today's globalized world, it is worth considering whether globalization represents a heightened form of laissez-faire liberal imperialism. The Bush administration's doctrine of preemptive strike further invites scrutiny, suggesting a continuum of imperialistic strategies. This prompts a reevaluation of whether we have truly entered a postcolonial era, as contemporary geopolitics appear to echo historical imperialistic tendencies.

 

In essence, "After the Imperial Turn" invites readers to critically engage with the complexities of empire, nation, colony, race, and gender. Through its diverse array of essays, the volume challenges conventional historiographical approaches, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of our interconnected world. It stands as a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on imperialism and its enduring legacy.