In the 20th century, unprecedented human mobility reshaped nations and cultures. Driven by war and ideology, millions moved across borders, challenging state-imposed controls. Discover how this century's migrations became a catalyst for global change.

Global migration fuels an economic powerhouse: remittances soar past $850 billion in 2024, reshaping economies and global power dynamics.

The Philippines' colonial shift from Spanish to American rule ignited a cultural revolution in the 1920s and 1930s, as Filipino intellectuals, inspired by Rizal, creatively engaged with a new colonial language and ideology. Through literature and art, they challenged and transformed American imperialism, crafting a modern Filipino identity that was both cosmopolitan and uniquely resilient.

India's diaspora transcends borders, wielding economic might and cultural influence. As a superpower of soft power and global capital, this vibrant community reshapes societies worldwide.

From steamship holds to digital visas, the evolution of global migration reshapes borders and governance. Discover how technology and ambition redefine the journey of today's world travelers.

The evolution of the 'évolué' and 'assimilado' was a calculated colonial strategy to quell resistance, promising European citizenship in exchange for cultural surrender.

Image by: George R. Fry, Los Angeles Times from I’ve spent a lot of time recently reflecting on how we teach and learn the history of the Civil Rights movement. In the UK, and indeed in much of the US, the narrative is often sanitized into a series of Southern milestones: the bus boycotts in Montgomery, the dogs of Birmingham, the bridge at Selma, and the soaring rhetoric of Dr.

In 1932, Cyril Lionel Robert James embarked on a transformative journey from Trinidad to London, fueled by a passion for abolition and cricket writing. His departure marked the beginning of a broader intellectual movement across the Caribbean and Africa, challenging colonial constraints and forging a global anti-colonial network.

In 1923, Huda Shaarawi's bold act of removing her veil became a symbol of Egyptian women's modern awakening and their pivotal role in Egypt's struggle for independence. This revolutionary gesture marked the start of a new era for women's rights intertwined with nationalist movements.

France and Portugal's assimilation schemes promised citizenship but concealed racial divides, fueling identity crises and revolutionary movements.

In the turbulent interwar Middle East, Atatürk and Reza Shah Pahlavi launched ambitious modernization campaigns, aiming to transform their societies into secular republics. Their top-down reforms sparked a cultural crisis as they clashed with existential doubts and traditional identities.

From rubble and refugee chaos emerged the foundation for today's international refugee framework

Rabat's Ville Nouvelle and New Delhi's architectural feats were not just cities but powerful ideological statements. As French and British architects crafted their grand visions, they visually reinforced colonial hierarchies, leaving a legacy of imperial dreams that proved fragile.

In the vibrant interwar cities of Bombay, Shanghai, and Cairo, modernity exploded with a unique twist. These cosmopolitan metropolises weren't just imitators of Western ideals; they thrived as dynamic hubs where global influences collided. From art deco cinemas to jazz-filled nightclubs, these cities forged a modern urban culture that challenged colonial dominance and reshaped local traditions.

Paris during the interwar period became a crucible for change, where colonial subjects from Africa and the Caribbean catalyzed a cultural revolution known as Négritude. This intellectual movement, spearheaded by Aimé Césaire, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and Léon-Gontran Damas, was not just a literary trend but a bold challenge to French colonialism, reclaiming Black identity and critiquing the empire's foundations.

The 20th century redefined global labour migration with the rise of temporary guest workers, transforming economies through transient yet crucial labor cycles. Discover how these programs shaped modern capitalism's heart.

The decline of the Ottoman Empire was not a single event but a slow, agonizing process of attrition. Throughout the 19th century, the "Sick Man of Europe" lost territory piece by piece—Algeria to France, Egypt to Britain. But the final act began in 1911, not in the Balkans or the Caucasus, but on the sands of North Africa. In this week’s podcast, I explored the Italian invasion of Libya, a conflict that is often overlooked but was pivotal in setting the stage for the First World War.

The British withdrawal in 1947-48 triggered simultaneous national traumas, laying the foundation for massive displacement and identity crises.

The BBC Empire Service emerged as Britain's audacious attempt to unify its vast empire via radio waves. This technological marvel aimed to create an imperial consciousness, but reality was far more complex.

Explore the transformative power of refugee testimonies. From the Armenian Genocide to the Syrian Civil War, witness how personal stories preserve memory and forge empathy in a fractured world

In today's world, propaganda is more than just chaotic noise; it's a strategic masterpiece engineered to shape public perception. From WWI's aftermath to today's media landscapes, states have mastered the art of influencing minds. Discover how modern propaganda builds consensus and reshapes reality.

Discover how the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) built a complex de facto state in Sri Lanka's Northern Vanni region, transforming from guerrillas to territorial rulers. Explore their governance model that offered efficient administration while enforcing authoritarian control.

Unravel the financial backbone of Sri Lanka's civil war: the diaspora's role in sustaining a modern insurgency. Delve into how global networks fueled LTTE's resilience and isolation.

The Black Tigers of the LTTE epitomized hybrid warfare by turning individual sacrifice into a powerful psychological tool, redefining asymmetric conflict on global stages.

The emergence of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as the preeminent and, ultimately, sole belligerent force of Tamil secessionism was never inevitable. In the late 1970s, the landscape of Tamil militancy in Sri Lanka was fragmented, populated by competing groups with varying ideologies and strategies. The LTTE’s ascent from obscurity to hegemony was the result of a deliberate, ruthless, and brilliantly executed strategy by its founder, Velupillai Prabhakaran.