A World Shaped by Colonialism: Global History of European Expansion
Concurrences member Janne Lahti has published a new monograph, Kolonialismin muokkaama maailma: Euroopan ekspansion globaalihistoriaa (World Shaped by Colonialism: Global History of European expansion) togerher with Johanna Skurnik (University of Turku). The book was a finalist for Best History Book in Finland in 2025.
Colonialism is a significant part of world history and a core element of European identity. It has roots deep in the past, but its effects continue to shape people’s lives today. When people think of colonialism, they often first associate it with the conquest of lands, slavery, exploitation of natural resources, and genocide. It has reshaped cultures, influenced the economies of different countries, caused violence, inequality, and exploitation, and transformed nature and the environment. Finland, too, is part of the global history of colonialism.
Through settler colonialism, settlers have displaced Indigenous peoples in various parts of the world. Under the guise of Christian missionary work and “civilizing” efforts, many cultures and communities have been destroyed in favor of Western values. Literature and film have portrayed stereotypical images of colonized peoples. Although slavery has largely been abolished in its traditional form, exploitation continues in the form of migrant labor and debt bondage. Colonialism is deeply embedded in people’s worldviews and values, and it continues to justify unequal treatment and racism today.
The World Shaped by Colonialism examines the topic through various themes and helps readers understand inequalities in our own time. In addition to historical analysis, the book gives a voice to Indigenous peoples who have been subjected to racialization. It also analyzes current debates, from controversies over statues to the restitution of cultural heritage.