Decolonizing Settler Colonial Studies: A Review
Alonso Gurmendi challenges the notion that colonialism is confined to a specific period in history, arguing that it is a set of relations rooted in domination and submission. In response to recent critiques, Gurmendi delves into the complexities of settler colonial studies, highlighting the controversies and misrepresentations surrounding the field.
Last week, Adam Kirsch stirred the pot with a contentious piece in The Atlantic, dismissing postcolonial approaches as mere fashion trends. Nigel Biggar and Robert Tombs also joined the chorus of delegitimization, sparking a debate about the validity of settler colonial studies.
Gurmendi refutes Kirsch’s claim that Israel does not fit the settler colonialism paradigm, pointing out the historical context and power dynamics at play. By citing influential scholars like Aimé Césaire, Pablo González Casanova, and Edward Said, Gurmendi underscores the enduring impact of colonial relations in present-day societies.
Ultimately, Gurmendi emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of colonialism beyond Eurocentric perspectives. By incorporating voices from the Global South, he sheds light on the multifaceted nature of colonial oppression and the ongoing struggles for decolonization.
Alonso Gurmendi, a Fellow in Human Rights & Politics at the London School of Economics & Political Science, offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of settler colonial studies.
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