"Deconstructing Decolonisation" – Prof. Nigel Biggar

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This date and location of this event have changed since the original announcement.

Location: The Hall, The Art Workers' Guild, 6 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AT
Date & Time: Thursday, 27^th June 2024, 7:30pm to 9:00pm (doors open at 7:00pm)
Format: ~45 mins talk, ~45 mins Q&A, followed by drinks & conversation at nearby pub

Please note that the talk will begin promptly at 7:30pm, and we strongly urge attendees arrive by 7:15pm, as latecomers may not be admitted.

Speaker

Nigel Biggar is Emeritus Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford, a post in which he served from 2007 to 2022. He is the author of the acclaimed books In Defence of War, What’s Wrong with Rights?, and most recently Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning. He has also written articles for various newspapers and journals, including The Times, The Telegraph, and The Spectator.

Topic

Deconstructing Decolonisation: what it is, why it matters, and why it’s (mostly) wrong

The ‘decolonisation’ movement assumes that the colonial record of the West is simply a litany of racism, exploitation, and oppression of ‘black’ victims by ‘white’ victimisers. As a matter of historical fact, this is false. But when ‘decolonisers’ are confronted with contrary evidence, they rarely react with sceptical curiosity or robust argument. Instead, anyone criticising the claims of the decolonisers can expect to meet with anger, insults and outrage mobs. Why is this? If the decolonisation movement isn't driven by a rational appraisal of the merits of empire, what is it being driven by?

Prof. Biggar will also in particular examine the colonialism and decolonisation narrative with respect to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Book Signings

Prof. Biggar has kindly agreed to sign copies of any of his books that you might bring to the event. Please note that no books will be sold at the event, but his Sunday Times bestseller, Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning is widely available for purchase

NOTE: If you can't make this talk but are still interested in future events in the series, please do subscribe to our newsletter to get regular updates.

Modern Dissent is proud to be part of the Free Speech Union’s Mactaggart Programme.