Interrogating Theories of Imperialism: A Case Study on Kagnew Station

This thesis examines the social and economic impacts of Kagnew Station on Eritrean society in Asmara alongside contemporary theories of imperialism. Current theories of imperialism often present a rigid spectrum of relations and experiences that characterized imperial rule. A social analysis of Kagnew Station, however, reveals that experiences and relations between Eritreans and Americans during Kagnew Station's operation were more nuanced and complex than contemporary theories of imperialism suggest, thus challenging the ideological foundation of such theories. Utilizing oral sources and published memoirs, this work analyzes the manner in which Eritreans were able to capitalize on the economic and social impacts made by Kagnew Station. In doing so, this paper aims to capture the lived imperial experience `from within' and highlight the limitations of current theories of imperialism in presenting this perspective.

Author

• Kidane, Selam Negassi

Language

• en

Date created

• 2015

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• History

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Kennedy, Dane

Committee Member(s)

• Blyden, Nemata

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/4q77fr49h