TALKING EMPIRE: Prime ministerial rhetoric and the search for a usable past in post-imperial Britain
Name of applicant
Christian D. Pedersen
Title
Associate Professor
Institution
University of Southern Denmark
Amount
DKK 6,931,000
Year
2024
Type of grant
Semper Ardens: Accelerate
What?
TALKING EMPIRE examines British prime ministers' use and abuse of the country’s imperial past to influence policy, shape national identity, and navigate international relations. The project investigates how, when and why leaders used imperial history to envision Britain’s future as a postcolonial nation, shedding light on the enduring impact of imperial legacies in British politics.
Why?
By examining how and why Britain’s imperial past has been used politically since decolonisation, TALKING EMPIRE provides historical context for current debates on colonialism’s legacy. It reveals how leaders have used imperial history for political purposes at home and abroad. This is particularly relevant post-Brexit, as the UK redefines its global role, history, and identity.
How?
TALKING EMPIRE combines historical research with digital methods. It analyses thousands of speeches using advanced software to identify patterns, complemented by in-depth analysis of key speeches. This dual approach reveals how prime ministers have used imperial history over six decades, offering fresh insights and developing a model for studying post-imperial politics applicable beyond the UK.