Postcolonial Governmentalities

This edited volume explores the intersection of postcolonial thought and governmentality, examining how contemporary governance shapes power, identity, and inequality through diverse practices across various global contexts.

Postcolonial Governmentalities presents a thought-provoking analysis that merges postcolonial theory with governmentality to explore themes of power, identity, inequality, and insecurity. This edited volume investigates how these two frameworks can be integrated to enhance our understanding of contemporary postcolonial governance practices. It draws on the idea that governance extends beyond state mechanisms, employing various tactics that regulate individual and institutional behavior through both freedom and constraint.

The book highlights the significance of postcolonial contexts in shaping governance and the inherent inequalities that arise from established standards of conduct. It emphasizes that governance can be both productive and repressive, often imposing rigid codes that categorize and objectify marginalized groups based on gender, race, and sexuality. The authors argue that discussions of governance must also include an examination of resistance and counter-conduct, as power is continually negotiated and contested.

Through empirical examples from regions such as Asia, Australia, Africa, and Europe, the contributors illustrate the relevance of postcolonial governance as a conceptual framework. They demonstrate how contemporary governance practices contribute to transnational inequalities and social divisions, urging readers to critically engage with the complexities of power dynamics in a global context. Overall, Postcolonial Governmentalities serves as a vital resource for understanding the intricate relationship between governance and postcolonial realities.