Imperialism - George Lichtheim

In Imperialism, political philosopher and historian George Lichtheim examines the origins, development and competing interpretations of imperial expansion from the nineteenth century through the twentieth. Rather than offering a simple narrative history, Lichtheim explores imperialism as both a political practice and an ideological concept, analysing the economic, strategic and intellectual forces that drove European powers to establish global empires.

The book traces the emergence of modern imperialism alongside industrial capitalism, nationalism and colonial competition, while engaging with the influential theories of thinkers such as J. A. Hobson, Vladimir Lenin, Rosa Luxemburg and Joseph Schumpeter. Lichtheim assesses the Marxist and liberal explanations of empire, weighing the relationship between capitalism, economic interests, military power and national prestige against the historical record.

Written with clarity and intellectual rigour, Imperialism serves as both an introduction to the subject and a critical survey of the major debates surrounding it. It remains a valuable guide for readers interested in the history of colonial expansion, political theory and the enduring legacy of imperialism in shaping the modern world.