The African Studies Program (ASP) is hosting its next baraza, or discussion with Admire Mseba – this time focusing on Northern Zimbabwe, an area claimed by the Portuguese but annexed by the British in late 1890. Titled Late Precolonial Struggles, European Expansion & the Making of Colonial Authority, the talk will ask how the making of the geography of European colonial possessions in Africa was influenced by local political struggles among Africans.

Locating the outcome of Anglo-Portuguese struggles for the Zimbabwean plateau’s northeastern edges allows a re-interpretation of the now familiar narratives of colonial boundary making and rural rule. It reveals that, although European powers agreed upon the partition of Africa among themselves, their men still fought to outmaneuver one another over the control of African territory. We learn that the form that the geography of colonial rule and rural authority took on the ground was, in no small part, shaped by long-standing, historically rooted African politics.

This event will take place on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 315 Phillips Hall, and is free and open to the public.

Admire Mseba recently completed his Ph.D. in the Department of History at the University of Iowa, and currently is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the History Department. 

This event is sponsored by the African Studies Program (ASP) and International Programs.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Jim Giblin in advance at james-giblin@uiowa.edu or 319-335-2288.