Aporia Podcast Colonialism Revisited | Nigel Biggar
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Jul 28, 2025 Nigel Biggar, an Anglican priest and former professor of theology at Oxford, dives deep into the complexities of colonialism. He differentiates between imperialism and colonialism, highlighting the unique aspects of British rule in India. Biggar also addresses the dual legacy of the British Empire, recognizing both its humanitarian contributions and darker histories like slavery. Moreover, he examines the changing motivations behind British expansion, revealing a shift from purely economic interests to a more humanitarian impulse, reshaping how we view decolonization.
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Empire vs. Colonialism
- Empire takes many forms including cultural influence, economic power, or colonial governance.
- Colonialism typically involves large-scale European settlement unlike broader imperialism.
Complexity of British Colonialism
- British colonialism was neither only racist nor solely oppressive, including slavery.
- It contained both grave injustices and significant humanitarian achievements like abolition of slavery.
Shifting Motivations of British Empire
- Making profit and geopolitical strategy were constant British Empire motivations.
- From the late 1700s, humanitarian efforts like abolition and native protections grew strongly within the empire.
