One Hundred Years of Self-Determination and Decolonization After World War I

Explore a thought-provoking 57-minute lecture from the University of Chicago's Harper Lecture Series where Professor Adom Getachew challenges conventional narratives about decolonization in the 20th century. Examine how the transition from colonial empires to nation-states was not a simple, inevitable process, but rather a radical transformation of the international order. Delve into complex topics including self-determination, nation-building, and worldmaking, while questioning traditional interpretations of colonial history. Learn about the aftermath of World War I, alien rule, Lenin's perspectives on self-determination, and the cultural and economic legacies of imperialism. Understand how decolonization movements fundamentally reshaped global politics and continue to influence modern international relations. Originally presented as part of the Spring 2023 UChicago Alumni and Friends series, this lecture offers critical insights into the ongoing impact of colonial history and the complexities of national sovereignty.