Postcolonial Theory

Postcolonial theory remains a diffuse term; it is frequently used to describe research ranging from economic analyses to literary studies. While the divergences and variety within postcolonial theory are significant, for most postcolonial theorists the historical period 1492–1945 is of key importance. This is the general time span in which direct rule of overseas territories by primarily western European states commenced, intensified to cover much of the world's landmass, and then began to end with relative rapidity. More than just a continuation of historic human conquests, this era is seen as marking the development of truly global forms of governance, power, and influence, which remain in many evolving forms to present day. Thus, despite its post- prefix, postcolonial theory has to a large extent involved ...