In this book, Peter Frankopan challenges the traditional Western-centric view of history by arguing that the Persian Empire and the Silk Roads were pivotal in shaping global civilization. The book explores the network of trade routes that connected Europe, Asia, and the Far East, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, religions, and cultures. It covers the rise and fall of empires, the spread of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, and the modern geopolitical significance of the region, including the impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Frankopan emphasizes the interconnectedness of the world and how events in the Silk Roads region have influenced global history from ancient times to the present day.
Brit(ish) is a memoir and social commentary that delves into the complexities of identity and race in Britain. Afua Hirsch shares her personal journey, exploring how her mixed heritage has influenced her sense of belonging. The book critiques Britain's historical narratives and contemporary issues like racism and immigration, calling for a more honest dialogue about the nation's past and present.
In 'Keeping Their Marbles', Tiffany Jenkins delves into the complex history of how Western museums obtained cultural artifacts, often through coercion or theft. She argues that these artifacts should remain in museums as centers of knowledge, rather than being repatriated, as they contribute to a broader understanding of global culture. Jenkins challenges the notion that repatriation can repair historical wounds or achieve social change.
In 'Black and British: A Forgotten History', David Olusoga explores the rich and complex history of black people in Britain, tracing their presence from Roman times through the medieval period, the slave trade, and both World Wars. The book highlights how black British history is deeply intertwined with the broader cultural and economic narratives of the nation. It confronts taboos and reveals previously overlooked aspects of British history.
Statues and memorials to famous figures of the past adorn our towns and cities but what should be done when some of these figures have come to be seen by many people as controversial symbols of oppression and discrimination?
In Britain, the Rhodes Must Fall campaign hit the headlines when it demanded the removal of the statue of Cecil Rhodes from Oxford’s Oriel College, of which he was a leading benefactor, because of his colonialism. In the US, violent protests in Charlottesville were sparked by a decision to remove from a park a statue of Robert E. Lee, a Confederate general in the American Civil War, because of the association of the Confederacy with slavery.
Passions run high on both sides. Are those calling for the removal of controversial statues seeking to right an historical injustice or are they trying to erase history? And are those who object to removing memorials defending the indefensible or are they conserving historical reality, however unpalatable that may be? To discuss these emotive questions and examine the broader cultural conflicts which lie behind them, Intelligence Squared joined forces with Historic England to bring together a stellar panel including historians David Olusoga and Peter Frankopan, the journalist and author Afua Hirsch and the cultural commentator Tiffany Jenkins. The event was chaired by Guardian columnist, broadcaster and author Jonathan Freedland.
This debate was made in Partnership with Historic England, on the 14th of May 2018 in London and was produced by Executive Producer Hannah Kaye
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