Since my studies in international power politics at Oxford, I've had a growing fascination with the historical study of imperialism and the rise and fall of Empires, especially that of Britain.
Does imperialism and consequential colonialism help those civilizations? does it contribute to human happiness by either material or philosophical means?
What strikes me as alluring is that Kwarteng seems to approach the subject from what seems a relatively unbiased perspective. Almost as if he is trying to approach the subject from a fresh perspective, untainted by the opinions on either side of the controversy that have been debated for decades. He seems to address evenly both the downsides as well as benefits of imperialism.
One reason why imperialism always fascinates me is that America is a dying empire. What are we in danger of becoming? Are our politicians handling the current situations in a way that will help or harm the survival of our empire?
Well, I think I may add this book to my summer reading list. And the Forsyte Saga. Watching the miniseries with Holly right now - I've been told for a while I'd love it. It has Ioan Griffudd and Damien Lewis in it, so I like it already!
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