Introduction, Empires of Charity Special Edition

McClure, J. (2018) Introduction, Empires of Charity Special Edition. New Global Studies, 12(2), pp. 123-129. (doi: 10.1515/ngs-2018-0025)

Abstract

This volume examines the role of charity in empire formations from a diachronic and transregional perspective. It focuses upon the beliefs, discourses, and practices of charity that developed within Christianity and the roles they played in the West’s imperial projects, from the first global empires that emerged from the Iberian Peninsula in the sixteenth century to projects of philanthro-imperialism in modern China. This volume exposes the complex religious, economic, political, and cultural roles that charity has played in imperial projects and increases our consciousness of the ways it continues to shape global politics. It shines light on the way in which governing bodies, institutions, and individuals have instrumentalised charity to achieve a range of strategic functions whilst shaping the narrative and image of their power. Viewing empire through the lens of charity also provides the opportunity to bring not only the rich but also the poor into focus and to explore the ways they have been active subjects negotiating for a range of material and immaterial resources in imperial contexts.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McClure, Dr Julia
• Authors: McClure, J.
• Subjects: D History General and Old World > D History (General); H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > History
• Journal Name: New Global Studies
• Journal Abbr.: NGS
• Publisher: De Gruyter
• ISSN: 2194-6566
• ISSN (Online): 1940-0004
• Published Online: 21 June 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Walter de Gruyter GmbH
• First Published: First published in New Global Studies 12(2): 123-129
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy