Empires of Remorse ─ Narrative, Postcolonialism and Apologies for Colonial Atrocity

Until the end of the 20^th Century, Empire was a source of pride for European states and their politicians. However, in 21^st century international politics there has been an unexpected emergence of influential European countries apologising to their former colonies.

This book empirically analyses recent prominent examples of state apologies to former colonies. Looking at statements from former European colonisers such as Britain, Belgium, Italy and Germany, it argues that, far from renouncing colonialism in its entirety, the apologies are replete with discourses that are reminiscent of the core principles of Empire. In particular, the book shows how the apologies continue to enact and expose the mechanics, ambivalences and continuing inequalities of contemporary relations between the former coloniser and colonised.

This text will be of key interest to scholars and students of peace and post-conflict resolution studies, international diplomacy, colonial studies and postcolonial theory and more broadly to those studying political science, international relations, sociology and development.

Tom Bentley is Teaching Fellow at the University of Aberdeen.