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Imperialism

Critical Concepts in Historical Studies

Edited by Peter Cain, Mark Harrison

Introduction by Peter Cain, Mark Harrison

Published October 26th 2000 by Routledge – 1,160 pages

Series: Critical Concepts in Historical Studies

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Description

The philosopher W.B. Gallie argued many years ago that there could be no simple definition of words such as 'freedom' because they embodied what he called 'essentially contested concepts'. They were words whose meaning had to be fought over and whose compteting definitions arose out of political struggle and conflict. Imperialism, and its close ally, colonialism, are two such contested concepts.

This set will give readers an insight in to the main lines of debate about the meanings of imperialism and colonialism over the last two centuries.

Contents

Volume I

Part I. The Emergence of Imperialism as a Concept

Part II. Early Marxist Theories and their Critics

Volume II

Part III. Modern Marxism and Dependency Theories

Part IV. Modern Historians and Imperialism

Volume III

Part V. Cultural and 'Postcolonial' Critiques