Transimperial history is an emerging field situated at the interference of global history, empire studies, and postcolonial theory. It aims at bringing different empires together into one analytical field. Therefore, transimperial history discusses colonial competition, cooperation, and connectivity not as separate phenomena but as entangled processes of imperial transformation.
Einleitung
Transimperial history brings different empires together into one analytical field. Whenever possible, this is done by combining non-European or relatively marginalized empires (for example, the Italian or Portuguese) with the bigger elephants in the room (such as the French or British). To methodologically decentralize and dynamize empire studies, transimperial history discusses colonial competition, cooperation, and connectivity not as separate phenomena but as entangled processes of imperial transformation. The point is not to isolate cooperation or competition analytically but to shed light on how they reinforced each other and how connectivity plays into this. Furthermore, transimperial history does not aim at a comparative study of empires. Instead, it shows how empires were aware of one another and how colonial comparison was part of their shared histories. At the same time, it brings to light anti-imperial actors whose ideas and practices cut across multiple empires. Finally, transimperial history is able to look not only across empires but also beyond them. Thereby, this approach also reflects on the legacy of colonialism, thus speaking to some of the most crucial political, economic, and social challenges our world faces today.
Aktivitäten
- 23. & 24. Mai 2024: Workshop on settler colonialism, Project Imperial Entanglements, University of Naples
- 12. April 2024: Roundtable organized by the Transimperial and Anti-colonial History Group at the University of Pittsburgh; 10 am EDT (4 pm CEST and 11 pm JST) Zoom Link
Ziele
- Dialogue: Connect institutions and scholars working in the field across the globe
- Research: Promote research on transimperial history by organizing conferences and workshops
- Support: Serve as a vibrant platform and provide a supportive environment for graduate and postdoctoral students
- Outputs: Providing a platform for publications on transimperial history
