A deterritorialized history: investigating German colonialism through Deleuze and Guattari

• Main Author: Bullard, Daniel
• Other Authors: Saunders, Thomas J.
• Format: Others
• Language: English; en
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Colonialism; Imperialism; Gilles Deleuze; Félix Guattari; Germany; Africa; History; Philosophy; Political science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1828/47

This study seeks to understand the forces initiating and sustaining colonialism, specifically the German colonial expansion in Africa. The history of this colonialism, and the relations between Germany and Africa, is difficult to understand holistically, given its complex and contentious nature. In order to best comprehend the composite interactions within the expansion of German control over Africa, Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s theory of deterritorialization will provide the interpretative framework. This analysis begins by grappling with the notion of deterritorialization and then relates the theory to the social, cultural, economic and political manifestations of German colonial expansion. By taking a broad perspective upon the diverse articulations of power in Africa, the multiple elements of colonial control and resistance are manifest. In conclusion, this study finds difference, syncretism and negotiation between German and African to determine the history of German colonialism in Africa.