Best Colonialism & Post-Colonialism Books of 2026

How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States by Daniel Immerwahr is an eye-opening and compelling book that sheds light on the forgotten territories and possessions of the United States. Immerwahr's writing is engaging and fast-paced, making it an enjoyable read despite the serious subject matter. The book explores the exploitation and violence that occurred in these territories and how the US moved away from colonialism. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and politics.

Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning is a thought-provoking book that challenges the modern view of colonialism as purely oppressive. Nigel Biggar argues that the British Empire, while not perfect, had positive effects such as abolishing the slave trade, establishing the rule of law, and opening local economies to global trade. Biggar also addresses important questions about the nature of colonialism, including its relationship to slavery, racism, and economic exploitation. This book is a must-read for those interested in the ethics and morality of colonialism and its impact on the world today.

The Anarchy by William Dalrymple is a fascinating account of how the East India Company took over large parts of Asia and ruled almost all of India south of Delhi for 47 years. Using previously untapped sources, Dalrymple provides a devastating portrait of the brutality that results when a company becomes a colonial power. The book is a gripping tale of bloodshed and deceit, unimaginable opulence, and intolerable starvation. It is shot through with an unappeasable moral passion that makes it stand out. Overall, The Anarchy is a superbly written book that is worth reading by everyone, and it provokes new questions about where corporations fit into the world, both then and now.

An Honorable Exit by Éric Vuillard is a gripping account of the lesser-known conflict preceding the Vietnam War that dealt a fatal blow to French colonialism. The author vividly illustrates the attitudes that enabled French colonialist abuses and ultimately led to their defeat and withdrawal. Delving into the last gasps of the First Indochina War, Vuillard not only brings to life scenes from the war but also looks beyond the visceral reality on the ground to the colder calculations of those who seek to benefit from conflict. This book is a powerful anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist message that offers a unique perspective on the conflict in Southeast Asia.

Bad Mexicans by Kelly Lytle Hernández is a groundbreaking narrative that reframes the understanding of US history. The book tells the story of the magonistas, a group of migrant rebels who initiated the 1910 Mexican Revolution from the United States, led by a radical named Ricardo Flores Magón. The magonistas organized thousands of Mexican workers and American dissidents to oust Mexico's dictator, Porfirio Díaz, and fought against the swarm of US authorities. The book takes readers to the frontlines of the magonista uprising and the counterinsurgency campaign that failed to stop them. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the borderlands and the Mexican Revolution.

Orientalism by Edward W. Said is a groundbreaking critique of the West's historical, cultural, and political perceptions of the East. The book traces the origins of "orientalism" to the centuries-long period during which Europe dominated the Middle and Near East and defined "the orient" simply as "other than" the occident. Said argues that this entrenched view continues to dominate western ideas and prevents true understanding. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between the East and the West.

The Plot to Save South Africa by Justice Malala is a gripping account of nine tumultuous days in 1993 when South Africa's transition to democracy was threatened by the assassination of Nelson Mandela’s protégé, Chris Hani, by a white supremacist. Through the perspectives of various characters, Malala crafts a political thriller that reads like a novel. With skillful storytelling and prodigious reporting, Malala offers an illuminating look at successful leadership in action and a terrifying reminder of how close the country came to civil war. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in South African history and politics.

Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? is a prophetic work by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that lays out his thoughts, plans, and dreams for America's future. King demanded an end to global suffering and asserted that humankind has the resources and technology to eradicate poverty. This book is a universal message of hope that continues to resonate. Cornel West, a professor of religion and African American studies at Princeton University, describes King as one of the greatest organic intellectuals in American history. This book is a must-read for those interested in U.S. immigrant history and the civil rights movement.

King Leopold's Ghost is an enthralling account of King Leopold II's genocidal plundering of the Congo River region, which ultimately slashed its population by ten million. The book is a haunting portrait of a megalomaniac and the brave individuals who fought against him. The author, Adam Hochschild, skillfully brings the largely untold story alive with fascinating characters and intense drama. This book is a must-read for those interested in the history of colonial Africa and the first great human rights movement of the twentieth century.

Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples is a thought-provoking book that examines the relationship between imperialism and research, particularly how imperialism is entrenched in disciplines of knowledge and tradition as "regimes of truth." Linda Tuhiwai, the author, argues that decolonizing research methods is crucial to reclaiming control over indigenous ways of knowing and being. The third edition includes contributions from indigenous scholars, a chapter featuring twenty-five indigenous projects, and a collection of poetry. This book is a must-read for those interested in cultural anthropology and indigenous studies.