Dust of Empire by Karl Meyer
The Dust of Empire is a book that explores the impact of Western empires, from England to America, on the people of Central Asia. The author, Karl Meyer, provides a detailed account of the history of the region and how it has been shaped by imperialism. He examines the conflicts that have arisen from the proliferation of self-determination and nation-states after the end of World War II.
Meyer blends scholarship with reportage, providing fascinating detail about regions and people. He uses Cuba as a classic example of indirect rule, which he criticizes for delegitimizing local leaders and creating a class of collaborators. Meyer warns against this sort of rule, but the US has set up that very sort of control again in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The book is especially strong when discussing the last couple of centuries of Western imperialism. Meyer draws parallels between the fate of former hegemons, particularly Britain, and the current antagonism toward the USA worldwide, especially in “liberated” Iraq. Replace oil with gold and diamonds, and the two cases become even more similar.
What I Liked
I liked how the author is able to draw so many parallels across the centuries. It’s a really smart book for global affairs.
What I Did Not Like
The book is a bit academic and specific.
