Antonio Gramsci's writings on hegemony were rediscovered by the English-speaking world in the 1970s, and his theories on the nature of state power and popular compliance subsequently became part of a growing literature. Until now, however, there has been no real attempt to apply Gramscian notions of hegemony to specific societies. This book, with its contributions by distunguished scholars from Europe, the USA and India explores the strengths and limitations of applying Gramsci's theories to the colonial state as well as addressing the relationship of coercion and consent in the imperial control of India and Africa.

Foreword by: Adolf M. Birke