The Politics of Postcolonialism - 9780745323640

`Rumina Sethi's critical analysis of the politics of post colonialism and the lack of constructive dialogue with the Marxist perspective, interweaving with her analysis of globalisation and the state of "postcoloniality", seeks to overcome the academic ossification of concepts that should be integrated with social change and activism. Noam Chomsky, Emeritus Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

`Rumina Sethi challenges postcolonial critics to put their feet back on the ground and to link the postcolonial once again to the political activism by which it has always been inspired.' Robert J.C. Young, Julius Silver Professor of English and Comparative Literature, New York University

`This book develops an argument that is both even-handed and radical. Rumina Sethi explores the history and the difficulties of post-colonial theory and without jettisoning its value she urges quite fresh thinking about its political and social implications.' Dame Gillian BEER, Emeritus Professor of English Literature, University of Cambridge

In a period of vast global restructuring, unrestricted capital has eroded the traditional distinctions between empire and nation. In The Politics of Postcolonialism, Rumina Sethi devises a new form of postcolonial studies that makes sense of these dramatic changes.

Returning to the origins of the discipline, Rumina Sethi identifies postcolonial studies as a tool for political protest and activism among people of the third world. Using a sophisticated mix of spatial theory and local politics, she examines the uneven terrain of contemporary anti-capitalism and political upsurges in Africa, Asia and Latin America, exploring postcolonial politics, dissent and resistance. Her analysis shows that as the traditional means of direct political control have largely lost their hold, postcolonial cultures, now dominated by neoliberalism, are seeking fresh ways to express their discontent.

This original and persuasive work frees the discipline from its current preoccupation with hybridity and multiculturalism, giving students of politics, cultural studies and international relations a new perspective on postcolonialism