Logo image
Hemmed in: on the representation of imperial defeat
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Hemmed in: on the representation of imperial defeat

Race & class, v 53(4), pp 1-23
01 Apr 2012

Abstract

Anthropology Ethnic Studies Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology Social Issues Social Sciences Social Sciences - Other Topics Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Sociology
This essay considers the way in which instances of defeat have been discussed, represented and put to use in the context of the history of modern imperialism. It argues that the response to moments of defeat has often been crucial in justifying the further expansion of imperial control, as well as in mobilising popular sympathy in support of imperial action. What is appealed to, in such representations, is often not an idea of strategic or economic interest as such, but a less easily defined or contested idea of honour or valour. The long historical roots of this idea reveal, apart from anything else, just how far empire was the context for a rapprochement between a newer and an older elite.

Metrics

6 Record Views
2 citations in Scopus

Details

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Web of Science research areas
Anthropology
Ethnic Studies
Social Issues
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Sociology
Logo image