New Books in World Affairs Stuart Ward, "Untied Kingdom: A Global History of the End of Britain" (Cambridge UP, 2023)
May 16, 2025
Stuart Ward, a historian at the University of Copenhagen, dives into his book, exploring the decline of British identity since World War II. He unpacks events like Indian independence, West Indian immigration, and the Falklands War to illustrate how Britishness has lost its global appeal. The discussion highlights the rise of separatist movements in Scotland and Wales and the complexities of British identity for non-white citizens. Ward also examines how contemporary issues reflect a broader narrative of a post-imperial Britain grappling with its diminishing influence.
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Britishness as a Global Civic Identity
- Britishness evolved as an expansive, global civic identity beyond geographical boundaries in the 19th century.
- This identity was supported by institutions like the British Navy and the British Empire, creating a unique transnational community.
Komagata Maru Incident Exposes Racial Limits
- In 1914, 370 Sikh migrants aboard the Komagata Maru were denied entry to Vancouver despite being British subjects.
- This incident exposed early fractures in the ideal of racially inclusive Britishness under colonial rule.
From Greater Britain to Commonwealth
- The term "Greater Britain" evolved into "British Commonwealth" in the interwar period reflecting changing political realities.
- This shift showed growing assertion of distinct national identities within an overarching British framework.
