Postcolonial Theory and Crisis

The prefix ‘post’ has come to signify more than just a ‘coming after’ and the usage of the prefix ‘neo’ in words like neo-colonialism is increasing. Postcolonial Theory and Crisis, edited by Sandra Ponzanesi (Utrecht University) and Paulo de Medeiros (University of Warwick), delves into this relation and aims to find out how to make sense of postcolonial theory in Europe in the present.

Postcolonial theory in the face of neo-colonialism

The volume aims at a conceptualisation of the relations between postcolonial theory and crisis, while also looking at the crisis of postcolonialism and the ways in which it can respond to contemporary issues. It seeks to understand, situate, and analyse postcolonial theory in the face of neo-liberalism, neo-imperialism, and neo-colonialism – the relation between ‘post’ and the increasing use of ‘neo’ is in itself part and parcel of the question.

The volume is organised in four sections, each containing four chapters. Even though all the chapters present a reflection on Postcolonial Theory and Crisis, some focus more specifically on aspects of the crisis in a global perspective such as humanitarian crisis and the role of mediatisation of conflicts, to issues related to human rights, refugees, migrancy, environmental crisis to questions of memory and postmemory as well as the critique of art and utopian thought. The questions posed are addressed at both a conceptual and theoretical level, alongside the analysis of specific case studies.

Postcolonial Intellectuals and Their European Publics

This publication is the last output of the NWO funded Project Postcolonial Intellectuals and Their European Publics (PIN) which has seen the collaboration of many European partners over the years and conferences throughout Europe (2019-2023).