Lydia Walker

In this conversation, Lydia Walker, an Assistant Professor of Global Military History at Ohio State University, dives into her book, States in Waiting. She challenges mainstream decolonization narratives and discusses the fascinating roles of non-state actors, such as Naga leader Angami Zapu Phizo and anti-apartheid activist Michael Scott. The discussion also touches on India's complex nationalist movements, the intricate dynamics of advocacy networks, and how grassroots efforts shaped the narrative of global decolonization.

Lydia Walker, Assistant Professor at Ohio State University and author of *States-in-Waiting*, takes center stage. She challenges traditional narratives surrounding decolonization, emphasizing the importance of local autonomy movements. The discussion dives into the role of transnational advocacy networks and key figures like Naga leader Angami Zapu Phizo. Walker highlights the Naga people's unique identity shaped during World War II and the complexities of their quest for recognition, revealing the broader implications for marginalized communities today.

Dr. Lydia Walker discusses her book 'States-in-Waiting: A Counter Narrative of Global Decolonization', exploring the complexities of self-determination for minority peoples, transcontinental networks of activists, and hidden dramas of decolonization. The podcast covers incomplete decolonization processes globally, nationalist movements' use of advocates, imbalanced relationships in decolonization, the UN's impact on state-seeking behaviors, and the intersection of decolonization with the Cold War.