Presenjit Duara's "Decolonization: Perspectives Now and Then" (Book Note)

 Decolonization: Perspectives Now and Then delves into the complex social phenomenon of decolonization, examining it from two distinct vantage points: the perspective of the colonized and that of scholars and theorists. The editor has curated the essays thoughtfully; Duara provides a lens through which readers can witness the profound impact of Western European empire-building on the peoples subjected to colonial rule, both historically and in contemporary contexts. The book delves into the intricacies of cultures, worldviews, and the potential for leadership within communities navigating the process of decolonization.

 

Duara's exploration encompasses a wide geographical scope, encompassing Western European colonial endeavors in both Africa and Asia. The writings of influential leaders from diverse backgrounds and ideological standpoints are featured, ranging from figures like Sun Yat-Sen and Ho Chi Minh to Jawaharlal Nehru and Frantz Fanon. The essays cover a spectrum of topics, including the role of women, the transformation of traditional village life, the influence of religion, the imperative for modernization, and the role of economic development. Themes of sovereignty and revolution recur throughout the essays penned by those who have experienced colonization. Additionally, the role of religion, particularly as a tool of colonial influence, is a pervasive undercurrent in many of the essays.

 

The Western authors featured in this volume provide insights into the impact of colonization from the perspective of the colonizers. Their essays do not seek to justify or condemn, but rather to examine both the positive and negative repercussions of empire-building on both the colonized and the colonizers. The Western essayists adeptly elucidate how colonization shaped the course of twentieth-century history, especially in the wake of World War II, and its aftermath on formerly colonized populations.

 

Duara leverages the selection of essays in this volume to articulate several pivotal points about community structure, social transformation, and human justice. First, he asserts that any effective system of governance must honor cultural traditions and the historical heritage of those being governed. Second, successful modernization should not entail a mere substitution of one culture for another; rather, it should be an internal process wherein the community embraces desired changes while preserving the traditions that define its identity. Third, genuine sovereignty necessitates the promotion of intellectual freedom. Fourth, meaningful community evolution fosters inclusivity in thought and social practices. Fifth, transformative change within communities requires an embrace of science and a reduction in religious dogma, while still cherishing spirituality. Finally, Duara contends that the increasing emphasis on capitalization and the encroachment of "foreign" cultures erode existing communities, resulting in dualistic societies with developed urban centers and predominantly underdeveloped rural areas. This dynamic ultimately leads to the normative exploitation of rural communities to sustain urban lifestyles.

 

These hypotheses find strong support in the essays featured in this anthology. The selection of essays forms a comprehensive historiography, offering readers a glimpse into various schools of thought regarding nationalism, imperialism, and post-World War II history. The voices presented in this book are compelling, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives and ideological orientations. This collection would serve as an excellent supplementary text for courses in ethnic studies, history, global human resource management, or diplomacy and peace studies. Despite its substantive content, this anthology offers an engaging and enlightening read.