We, the Decolonized

Hélé Beji, Matthew B. Smith, Nouri Gana

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English

Polity Press
20 June 2025

Colonialism & imperialism; National liberation & independence, post-colonialism

Series: Critical South

We, the Decolonized is a passionate reflection on the pitfalls of the decolonial venture in postcolonial countries, with particular reference to North Africa. Hélé Béji shows that in many formerly colonized countries, the reality of independence took the form of elusive freedom, widespread disillusionment and the insidious survival of forms of domination bequeathed by former colonial powers.

Béji delivers an trenchant critique of decolonization: the saddest of all liberties, because it has not kept its promises. Those who had vanquished colonialism, vindicated civilization and struggled free from the yoke of illegitimate government found themselves ensnared in a new trap, having achieved emancipation without liberation. They remained entangled in a compulsive recycling of colonial impulses. To re-embark on the route to a truly free society, intellectuals and political figures must lead by example in acknowledging the reality of the past, adopting tolerant attitudes towards religions and embracing a new and secular democratic mentality.

Béji’s important contribution to the decolonial canon will be of great interest to anyone concerned with the politics of decolonization in Africa and the Maghreb and in the Global South more broadly.

By: Hélé Beji
Introduction by: Nouri Gana
Translated by: Matthew B. Smith
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 213mm, Width: 137mm, Spine: 15mm
Weight: 227g
ISBN: 9781509562664
ISBN 10: 1509562664
Series: Critical South
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 20 June 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction – Nouri Gana We, the Decolonized Index

Hélé Béji is a Tunisian writer and the founder and president of the International College of Tunis.

Reviews for We, the Decolonized

“An intelligent, original critique which exposes a new ‘history of dependence’ and the inability to change forms of consciousness following the independence won by many states in North Africa when the quest for freedom that had nourished anticolonial struggles has been abandoned.” Jean Khalfa, University of Cambridge