Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain
In Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain, journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera delves into Britain’s imperial legacy and examines how its historical empire continues to shape contemporary society, politics, and identity. With a personal and deeply reflective tone, Sanghera embarks on a journey to understand why Britain struggles to confront its colonial past and how this denial affects everything from race relations to national pride.
The book is part memoir, part historical exploration. Sanghera begins by admitting his own ignorance about the British Empire—an ignorance he finds mirrored across the country. Educated in Wolverhampton, he recalls that empire was barely covered in school. His reflections become a compelling argument for how systemic silence and selective remembrance have allowed myths of imperial benevolence to flourish unchallenged.
Sanghera’s strength lies in his accessibility. He writes with clarity, wit, and emotional honesty, drawing in readers who may not typically pick up history books. He connects the dots between Britain’s past and present, linking the empire to everyday realities—from immigration and multiculturalism to statues and Brexit. He addresses difficult subjects such as racism, the glorification of empire in popular culture, and Britain’s inability to reckon with historical wrongdoing.
Importantly, Empireland is not a polemic. While Sanghera is clearly critical of the romanticization of empire, he avoids simplistic judgments. Instead, he presents a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the complexity of the imperial legacy. He recognises that the empire brought both brutality and infrastructure, oppression and opportunity. But what troubles him most is the absence of honest discussion about it in British public life.
The book also speaks to current debates around identity and nationalism. By unpacking how deeply imperial thinking is woven into British institutions and attitudes, Sanghera challenges readers to think critically about the stories a nation tells itself—and the consequences of those stories. The denial of empire’s darker sides, he suggests, leads to a distorted sense of national pride and contributes to the rise of culture wars.
Critics might argue that Sanghera doesn’t go far enough in interrogating systemic structures or offering solutions. However, his goal is to open a conversation, not close it. Empireland is a starting point—a call for greater education, deeper reflection, and more honest public discourse. It invites readers to listen, learn, and unlearn.
Overall, Empireland is a timely, engaging, and essential read for anyone interested in Britain’s identity and history. Sanghera’s voice is both personal and persuasive, making a compelling case for why the empire’s legacy cannot and should not be ignored.
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