'Gildea uses a comparative approach to examine the legacy of empire in France and Britain . both countries desperately hoped to preserve their empires, fiercely resisted decolonization, and frequently intervened to keep former colonies as dependencies. In France, the long shadow of the Algerian conflict, racism, and an emphasis on secular republican values led to a reassertion of colonial rule in the banlieues. Despite Britain's avowed multiculturalism, its formerly colonized subjects faced segregation, exclusion, and violence at the hands of former colonizers. Alienated from both their adopted nation and their country of origin and enraged by the US's neo-imperialist 'war on terror', many in Europe's immigrant community embraced Islam. A radicalized minority turned to jihad and terrorist violence. the dubious but apparently widespread belief that Brexit would enable Britain to restore its free-trade empire supports Gildea's thesis that the past remains disturbingly present. Highly recommended.

' P. C. Kennedy, Choice C. Kennedy, Choice C. Kennedy, Choice C. Kennedy, Choice.