Genève a-t-elle un héritage colonial ?

Abstract

An analysis of writings on colonisation and slavery by 18th and 19th century Genevan writers reveals the existence in the City of Calvin of a discourse justifying European expansionism. According to it, " advanced" Europe had the right to show " backward" overseas peoples the path to civilisation. What is presented as a mission and a duty legitimises colonial domination and presupposes a hierarchy of " races". This vision of the world has had extensions right up to the present day.