In the book Empire: A very short introduction, Howe lays out a reasonable and logical understanding of the history of empires beginning from the introductory section. He relates history to either an imperial or a colonial nature of governance. In his thoughts, the author carefully expounds what an empire entails. He is keen on defining the terse meaning of an empire. He also points out the legacies of world-renowned empires such as the Russian and Roman empires.
Throughout the introductory section of the book, the author highlights the historical significance of both ancient and modern empires. He manages to bring out historical issues such as colonialism, imperialism, and globalization. Chapter offers a succinct discussion of the underlying meaning of an imperialist. It is certain that the development of the world’s history largely relies on the establishment, growth, and eventual collapse and their associated legacies.
From an objective point of view, it is evident that speculations and arguments are rife over the fact that the old empires still influence contemporary global polithe tics. The author attempts to distance himself from the notion that an empire “is a bad thing” by relating such arguments to fairy tales and abstract computer games. The latter depicts a figurative approach to the aspects of empires and imperialism.
It is irrefutable that the first chapter of the book is a vivid discussion of ancient territories and their influence in the development of modern empires. Needless to say, there is a close relationship between pre-modern ideas and debates surrounding empires and colonies.
Although this review focuses on the introductory section and the first chapter of the book, the author misses a chance to expound outstanding differences and similarities between modern and ancient empires. In addition, a statement on the contribution and spread of imperialism and neo-colonialism is vital especially when introducing the contents of the book. Nonetheless, a through review of this book will assist in brainstorming and answering numerous questions emerging from the book.
The book effectively and thoroughly addresses a number of factors that led into the emergence of rapid wave of decolonization from 1945 to1965. Howe reveals that during the aforementioned historical years, the colonial masters were already disengaging themselves from their colonial territories bearing in mind that the Second World War had been concluded. During this period, nationalists emerged within the colonies.
They massively demonstrated and rioted as part and parcel of fighting for their independence. Moreover, European countries began to scramble over territories with the desire to acquire raw materials and free labor for industries abroad. In Algeria, both Britain and France demonstrated common interest.
Meanwhile, prominent territories such as India became independent and compelled the process of decolonization to lose the much-needed psychic charge. Most of the colonial empires were far from their colonies. This was a significant challenge that eventually made the colonists to loose interest in the territories.
Howe characterizes decolonization as an alternative through which colonial masters continued to exploit the colonized states without resistance. He expounds that after the collapse of old empires, new ones emerged with extra vigor and influence. After critical assessment of his arguments, it is explicit that the new territories developed broad forces and intense influence on global politics.
From the book, it is evident that even though colonized states gained independence, their colonial masters remained in power. Worse still, colonial masters still control their minds indirectly through imperialism. Such an exposition is crucial in assisting readers to assimilate and comprehend the content of the book.
The author also points out the differences between colonial and post-colonial empires. He defines past societies as formal, focused and authentic communities that co-exist. For instance, Howe talks about the Land-based Empire in Russia that aimed to spearhead and maintain the communist ideology. However, the contemporary empires are quite unjust since they only desire to control, dominate and manipulate less powerful empires.
Howe talks about “informal empires” in a cynical manner that may likely draw suspicion and arguments among his audience. The “informal” society is non-existent or abstract in nature. Dominance through power and indirect control of the less powerful states by former colonial masters is fundamental in Howe’s introduction of the book.
In order to support this evidence, the author highlights how British exercised its hegemony in Iran and Chile. From the book, we can attest to the fact that past empires were political entities. The dominant modern empires are just a transformation of the past legacies through imperialism and globalization.
Upon careful analysis of Howe’s written work, proper organization of the contents and ideas are evident in the book. For example, a smooth and systematic transition of ideas and arguments are major strengths of the book.
The prose is equally appropriate even though the content leaves the targeted readers with more questions than answers. For instance, he scantly compares ancient and modern empires. Nevertheless, the book is very informative and worth reading for individuals who desire to catch up with the historical development and significance of empires.