A grand account of the evolution of empire from its origins in ancient Rome to its most recent twentieth-century embodiment, The Rule of Empires explores the historical reality of subjugation and exposes the true limits of imperial power.
Parsons uses vivid detail to show how Africans, Asians, Arabs, and West Indians brought about the demise of the seemingly invincible British Empire by refusing to be treated as inferior imperial subjects. He traces the empire's legacies- the new cultures and norms that arose from its global networks of commerce, migration, and cultural exchange.
The narrative explores the resistance of Africans, Asians, Arabs, and West Indians against British imperialism, highlighting their refusal to accept inferior status. Through vivid detail, it examines how their actions contributed to the decline of the British Empire. Additionally, the book traces the empire's legacies, revealing the new cultures and norms that emerged from its extensive networks of commerce, migration, and cultural exchange, showcasing the complex interactions that shaped the modern world.
Focusing on the 1964 East African army mutinies, the book offers a framework for understanding why soldiers in developing nations defy civil authority. It delves into the causes and consequences of institutional violence and military unrest in post-colonial contexts. By combining historical analysis with social science methodologies, it presents detailed empirical data on protests in Tanganyika, Uganda, and Kenya, revealing new insights into the dynamics of military aggression and civil-military relations.
This book provides a concise overview of the British Empire from its origins in the early nineteenth century, to its climax at mid-century, to its denouement on the eve of World War I. Considering the impact of imperial rule, Parsons explores themes of cross-cultural, social, ...