Released: 26th January 2024
Genre: History, Society, Politics
Number of Pages: 247 (Excluding bibliography and notes)
The subject of imperial colonialism has been a thorny subject in the UK, especially in recent years with many trading shots over whether our history was beneficial or detrimental to the world. With a detailed background and context already established in Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera turns his attention to a global scale with Empireworld, another excellent release that deserves your attention.
Despite a fairly short length of 247 pages, Empireworld is far richer and broader than its predecessor. When it comes to analysing the far-reaching after effects of empire, Sathnam takes us on a journey through many nations and multiple topics. The list of references in the bibliography is enormous and the author has taken great care to weave in the most important facts. One moment, we’re examining the aftermath of the slave trade in Mauritius and the next we see the instability of Nigeria, brought on by post-colonial rule. These serious tales of suffering and domination are balanced out by Sathnam’s personal perspective as a child of immigrants who grew up in Wolverhampton. Visiting these locations in person was an important step in presenting their current challenges authentically.
Even with these criticisms, Sanghera addresses the more positive elements of the British Empire with equal attention. With such a vast historical timeline, he is keen to emphasise a middle-ground when talking about major events. This is easily the most mature, level-headed and civil perspective I’ve read on the topic at large; anyone who picks up this book will be compelled to share the same approach. Empireworld remains highly engaging despite the hefty amount of detail packed into every page; the author deftly balances so many contradictions seamlessly. He brings everything full circle with the recent Commonwealth Games up in Birmingham, a brilliant way of tying every component together while also understanding the last remnants of history laid out in one sporting event.
Recommended?
YES: Empireworld addresses the difficulties of post-imperial conversations, but it goes so much further, delivering some richly detailed history alongside a fine balance between positive and negative effects. This is a rare book that sets the standard and tone for wider discussion, understanding history while putting aside petty arguments. Sathnam’s account is a must-read for anyone with a passing interest in Britain and its place in the world.
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