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Empires Without Imperialism: Anglo-American Decline and the Politics of Deflection
The end of the Cold War ushered in a moment of nearly pure American dominance on the world stage, yet that era now seems ages ago. Since 9/11 many informed commentators have focused on the relative decline of American power in the global system. While some have welcomed this as a salutary development, outspoken proponents of American power--particularly neoconservatives--have lamented this turn of events. As Jeanne Morefield argues in Empires Without Imperialism , the defenders of a liberal international order steered by the US have both invoked nostalgia for a golden liberal past and succumbed to amnesia, forgetting the decidedly illiberal trajectory of US continental and global expansion. Yet as she shows, the US is not the first liberal hegemon to experience a wave of misguided nostalgia for a bygone liberal order; England had a remarkably similar experience in the early part of the twentieth century. The empires of the US and the United Kingdom were different in
character--the UK's was territorially based while the US relied more on pure economic power--yet both nations mouthed the rhetoric of free markets and political liberty. And elites in both painted pictures of the past in which first England and then the US advanced the cause of economic and political liberty throughout the world.
Morefield contends that at the times of their decline, elites in both nations utilized the attributes of an imagined past to essentialize the nature of the liberal state. Working from that framework, they bemoaned the possibility of liberalism's decline and suggested a return to a true liberal order as a solution to current woes. By treating liberalism as fixed through time, however, they actively forgot their illiberal pasts as colonizers and economic imperialists. According to Morefield, these nostalgic narratives generate a cynical 'politics in the passive' where the liberal state gets to have it both it is both compelled to act imperially to save the world from illiberalism and yet is never responsible for the outcome of its own illiberal actions in the world or at home.
By comparing the practice and memory of liberalism in early nineteenth century England and the contemporary United States, Empires Without Imperialism addresses a major gap in the literature. While there are many examinations of current neoliberal imperialism by critical theorists as well as analyses of liberal imperialism by scholars of the history of political thought, no one has of yet combined the two approaches. It thus provides a much fuller picture of the rhetorical strategies behind liberal imperialist uses of history. At the same time, the book challenges presentist assumptions about the novelty of our current political moment.
character--the UK's was territorially based while the US relied more on pure economic power--yet both nations mouthed the rhetoric of free markets and political liberty. And elites in both painted pictures of the past in which first England and then the US advanced the cause of economic and political liberty throughout the world.
Morefield contends that at the times of their decline, elites in both nations utilized the attributes of an imagined past to essentialize the nature of the liberal state. Working from that framework, they bemoaned the possibility of liberalism's decline and suggested a return to a true liberal order as a solution to current woes. By treating liberalism as fixed through time, however, they actively forgot their illiberal pasts as colonizers and economic imperialists. According to Morefield, these nostalgic narratives generate a cynical 'politics in the passive' where the liberal state gets to have it both it is both compelled to act imperially to save the world from illiberalism and yet is never responsible for the outcome of its own illiberal actions in the world or at home.
By comparing the practice and memory of liberalism in early nineteenth century England and the contemporary United States, Empires Without Imperialism addresses a major gap in the literature. While there are many examinations of current neoliberal imperialism by critical theorists as well as analyses of liberal imperialism by scholars of the history of political thought, no one has of yet combined the two approaches. It thus provides a much fuller picture of the rhetorical strategies behind liberal imperialist uses of history. At the same time, the book challenges presentist assumptions about the novelty of our current political moment.
300 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Morefield
6 books3 followersJeanne Morefield is Associate Professor of Political Theory and Fellow at New College. She is also a Non-Residential Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Washington D.C. Before coming to Oxford she taught as Associate Professor of Political Theory at the University of Birmingham, Professor of Politics at Whitman College, and was a Professorial Fellow at The Institute for Social Justice, Australian Catholic University. Between 2016 and 2019 she served as Co-President of the Association for Political Theory.
During the 2021-2022 academic year, Dr. Morefield will be taking a British Academy and Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship.
Dr. Morefield’s scholarship sits at the intersection of political theory, international relations, and intellectual history with a particular focus on the relationship between liberalism, imperialism, and internationalism in Britain and America. She is the author of Covenants Without Swords: Idealist Liberalism and the Spirit of Empire (Princeton, 2005), Empires Without Imperialism: Anglo American Decline and the Politic of Deflection (Oxford, 2014) and the forthcoming Unsettling the World: Edward Said and Political Theory (Rowman and Littlefield, 2022). Her next book project, The Political Worlds of Sex Trafficking: From the League of Nations to QAnon, examines the role of sex trafficking panics in the construction and contestation of global liberalism. Morefield’s popular work has appeared in The Boston Review, Jacobin, Responsible Statecraft, and The New Statesman.
During the 2021-2022 academic year, Dr. Morefield will be taking a British Academy and Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship.
Dr. Morefield’s scholarship sits at the intersection of political theory, international relations, and intellectual history with a particular focus on the relationship between liberalism, imperialism, and internationalism in Britain and America. She is the author of Covenants Without Swords: Idealist Liberalism and the Spirit of Empire (Princeton, 2005), Empires Without Imperialism: Anglo American Decline and the Politic of Deflection (Oxford, 2014) and the forthcoming Unsettling the World: Edward Said and Political Theory (Rowman and Littlefield, 2022). Her next book project, The Political Worlds of Sex Trafficking: From the League of Nations to QAnon, examines the role of sex trafficking panics in the construction and contestation of global liberalism. Morefield’s popular work has appeared in The Boston Review, Jacobin, Responsible Statecraft, and The New Statesman.
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August 31, 2021
Now this was timely, wasn't it. For me, the actual 9-11 is the 8-15, the day the entire lie of liberal empire collapsed in front of the entire world (and it ended how it always goes - with a barbaric US drone strike that targeted terrorists but killed civilians. Hashtag Mosul.)
Obviously, I have been around long enough to know that this means nothing. The hawks were already considering the Northern Alliance 2.0. and now I guess ‘we’ are working with the Taliban to defeat ISIS, which wouldn’t even exist if…. UGH, I can't even comment on this. I literally have foreign policy ache, it’s a thing. I know it’s beyond gross if the white woman on her sofa makes all of this about herself while the suffering takes place elsewhere.
Anyhow, this book 'Empires without Imperialism' (Oxford University Press, 2014) by Jeanne Morefield has been on my radar for quite some time and it took me forever to get through this – thanks to an amazing summer in which I have been reading fuck all.
I guess due to my work, the concept of imperialism has become ever more central to my making sense of the world. Imperialism is one of those processes that people usually do not realize unless they think in terms of power relations. It's like when people say 'the economy' because they don't 'see' capitalism or 'globalization' because they don't see ‘imperialism’.
This book added a very valuable lens to imperialism with a focus on “sustained historical and contemporary narratives that enable these (imperial) powers to deflect responsibility for imperial violence away from themselves in an ongoing, systematic way”, usually by referring to more noble narratives of the white man's burden and more recently the need to defend liberal values (humanitarian interventions etc) and the rest of the ever same 'lesser evil' lies by the liberal imperial apologetics.
The book takes a very close look at the narratives of "those influential public intellectuals who perpetuate deflective and forgetful narratives that enable and encourage the kind of foreign policy discourse that reduces politics, again and again, to an agonized need to sacrifice liberal principles or fall victim to the enemy (lesser evil), and in which more and better empire is always the solution to the 'imperial problem'.
Specifically, this book looks at three imperial narratives told by British public intellectuals just before and during the World War 1 and three imperial stories told by three American public intellectuals today. The book argues that during both eras, liberals from Jan Smuts to Michael Ignatieff have felt compelled to narrate the story of ‘who we are’ in response to their empire’s perceived decline in a manner that ‘forgets’ the imperial state’s own illiberality. But the narratives do not only rely upon historical omission but rather creative forms of deflection – shifting attention away from colonial violence and economic exploitation and back to the liberal nature of the imperial society. Wasn’t Afghanistan all about schools for girls.
While the narratives differ according to contemporary circumstances, in the end, it always comes down to the imperial state that is compelled to act imperially to save the world from illiberalism (human rights and democracy! Defend the free world!) and yet – importantly – it’s never responsible for having created the conditions that require it to save the world in the first place.
While I am mostly interested in the period following 9/11 when empire came back into vogue, it’s been quite eye opening to see the continuity in liberal imperialist thought, including the origins of the 1910 founded pro-imperial lobby, the Round Table, which would later set up the Chatham House in the UK and influence the Council of Foreign Relations in the US (even today, most think tanks propagate liberal imperialist interventionism). Of course, these are also the origins of the League of Nations and later UN mandates and trusteeship system (‘Worldmaking after Empire’ by Adom Getachew traces in detail the imperialist origins of the League of Nations and today’s global governance system. A must read for anyone in ‘the industry’…).
The book is quite dense and detailed. For those with actual lives and less time than me, there’s a The Dig postcast episode on the book 😊
Obviously, I have been around long enough to know that this means nothing. The hawks were already considering the Northern Alliance 2.0. and now I guess ‘we’ are working with the Taliban to defeat ISIS, which wouldn’t even exist if…. UGH, I can't even comment on this. I literally have foreign policy ache, it’s a thing. I know it’s beyond gross if the white woman on her sofa makes all of this about herself while the suffering takes place elsewhere.
Anyhow, this book 'Empires without Imperialism' (Oxford University Press, 2014) by Jeanne Morefield has been on my radar for quite some time and it took me forever to get through this – thanks to an amazing summer in which I have been reading fuck all.
I guess due to my work, the concept of imperialism has become ever more central to my making sense of the world. Imperialism is one of those processes that people usually do not realize unless they think in terms of power relations. It's like when people say 'the economy' because they don't 'see' capitalism or 'globalization' because they don't see ‘imperialism’.
This book added a very valuable lens to imperialism with a focus on “sustained historical and contemporary narratives that enable these (imperial) powers to deflect responsibility for imperial violence away from themselves in an ongoing, systematic way”, usually by referring to more noble narratives of the white man's burden and more recently the need to defend liberal values (humanitarian interventions etc) and the rest of the ever same 'lesser evil' lies by the liberal imperial apologetics.
The book takes a very close look at the narratives of "those influential public intellectuals who perpetuate deflective and forgetful narratives that enable and encourage the kind of foreign policy discourse that reduces politics, again and again, to an agonized need to sacrifice liberal principles or fall victim to the enemy (lesser evil), and in which more and better empire is always the solution to the 'imperial problem'.
Specifically, this book looks at three imperial narratives told by British public intellectuals just before and during the World War 1 and three imperial stories told by three American public intellectuals today. The book argues that during both eras, liberals from Jan Smuts to Michael Ignatieff have felt compelled to narrate the story of ‘who we are’ in response to their empire’s perceived decline in a manner that ‘forgets’ the imperial state’s own illiberality. But the narratives do not only rely upon historical omission but rather creative forms of deflection – shifting attention away from colonial violence and economic exploitation and back to the liberal nature of the imperial society. Wasn’t Afghanistan all about schools for girls.
While the narratives differ according to contemporary circumstances, in the end, it always comes down to the imperial state that is compelled to act imperially to save the world from illiberalism (human rights and democracy! Defend the free world!) and yet – importantly – it’s never responsible for having created the conditions that require it to save the world in the first place.
While I am mostly interested in the period following 9/11 when empire came back into vogue, it’s been quite eye opening to see the continuity in liberal imperialist thought, including the origins of the 1910 founded pro-imperial lobby, the Round Table, which would later set up the Chatham House in the UK and influence the Council of Foreign Relations in the US (even today, most think tanks propagate liberal imperialist interventionism). Of course, these are also the origins of the League of Nations and later UN mandates and trusteeship system (‘Worldmaking after Empire’ by Adom Getachew traces in detail the imperialist origins of the League of Nations and today’s global governance system. A must read for anyone in ‘the industry’…).
The book is quite dense and detailed. For those with actual lives and less time than me, there’s a The Dig postcast episode on the book 😊
November 15, 2022
books like this are exactly why I returned to getting my Masters in History, I would have never come across it on my own
August 4, 2023
Jeanne Morefield's "Empires without Imperialism" presents a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving nature of empires in the modern world. Published in 2014, this academic work challenges conventional understandings of imperialism and offers a nuanced analysis of contemporary power structures. By dissecting the complexities of global governance and hegemonic practices, Morefield provides a compelling and critical examination of the persisting influence of empires in the 21st century.
One of the central premises of Morefield's book is her redefinition of empire, moving beyond traditional notions that emphasize territorial expansion and direct colonization. Instead, she posits the existence of "empires without imperialism" - a concept that encapsulates how powerful nations exert control and influence over weaker states through economic, political, and cultural means. In this context, Morefield astutely explores how international institutions, multinational corporations, and dominant nations can perpetuate asymmetrical power dynamics without overtly resorting to imperialistic conquests.
Through an impressive interdisciplinary approach, Morefield draws upon historical analysis, political theory, and international relations to illustrate her arguments. She deftly navigates the historical evolution of empires, from classical antiquity to the colonial era, and then skillfully shifts her focus to the modern manifestations of empire. By doing so, she effectively highlights the continuity of imperialistic practices and demonstrates how they have adapted to contemporary global realities.
The strength of "Empires without Imperialism" lies in its rigorous examination of various case studies. Morefield analyzes the actions and policies of influential actors on the global stage, such as the United States and its interventions in the Middle East and Latin America. She also delves into the role of international institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in shaping economic policies that reinforce dominant nations' interests. These case studies offer valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of modern empire-building and its implications for global governance.
Morefield's writing style is academically precise, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter. Her arguments are supported by well-referenced sources and theoretical frameworks, making her work a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in various disciplines. However, it is worth noting that her analysis can be intellectually demanding at times, which may require readers to be well-versed in relevant academic literature to fully grasp the complexities she presents.
While the book undoubtedly makes a significant contribution to the discourse on contemporary empires, some readers might find that certain areas could benefit from further elaboration. Morefield delves into complex theoretical concepts without providing extensive background explanations, which might prove challenging for readers not already familiar with these theories.
In conclusion, "Empires without Imperialism" by Jeanne Morefield is a compelling and thought-provoking work that challenges conventional notions of empire in the contemporary world. By offering a fresh perspective on the mechanisms of power and control employed by dominant nations, Morefield enriches our understanding of global politics and the enduring influence of empires. While her academic rigor and interdisciplinary approach make this book a valuable contribution to the field, readers should be prepared to engage with complex concepts to fully appreciate its insights.
GPT
One of the central premises of Morefield's book is her redefinition of empire, moving beyond traditional notions that emphasize territorial expansion and direct colonization. Instead, she posits the existence of "empires without imperialism" - a concept that encapsulates how powerful nations exert control and influence over weaker states through economic, political, and cultural means. In this context, Morefield astutely explores how international institutions, multinational corporations, and dominant nations can perpetuate asymmetrical power dynamics without overtly resorting to imperialistic conquests.
Through an impressive interdisciplinary approach, Morefield draws upon historical analysis, political theory, and international relations to illustrate her arguments. She deftly navigates the historical evolution of empires, from classical antiquity to the colonial era, and then skillfully shifts her focus to the modern manifestations of empire. By doing so, she effectively highlights the continuity of imperialistic practices and demonstrates how they have adapted to contemporary global realities.
The strength of "Empires without Imperialism" lies in its rigorous examination of various case studies. Morefield analyzes the actions and policies of influential actors on the global stage, such as the United States and its interventions in the Middle East and Latin America. She also delves into the role of international institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in shaping economic policies that reinforce dominant nations' interests. These case studies offer valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of modern empire-building and its implications for global governance.
Morefield's writing style is academically precise, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter. Her arguments are supported by well-referenced sources and theoretical frameworks, making her work a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in various disciplines. However, it is worth noting that her analysis can be intellectually demanding at times, which may require readers to be well-versed in relevant academic literature to fully grasp the complexities she presents.
While the book undoubtedly makes a significant contribution to the discourse on contemporary empires, some readers might find that certain areas could benefit from further elaboration. Morefield delves into complex theoretical concepts without providing extensive background explanations, which might prove challenging for readers not already familiar with these theories.
In conclusion, "Empires without Imperialism" by Jeanne Morefield is a compelling and thought-provoking work that challenges conventional notions of empire in the contemporary world. By offering a fresh perspective on the mechanisms of power and control employed by dominant nations, Morefield enriches our understanding of global politics and the enduring influence of empires. While her academic rigor and interdisciplinary approach make this book a valuable contribution to the field, readers should be prepared to engage with complex concepts to fully appreciate its insights.
GPT
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews