The graduation of EU development studies: towards a post-colonial turn?

Abstract

ABSTRACT This conclusion reflects on the contributions to this volume from a post-colonial perspective. Although the colonial origins of EU development policy and its continuing relevance are generally assumed, the implications of this are often underexposed. After presenting the “post-colonial challenge” for the study of EU development and international partnership policies, I introduce and apply the decentring framework as proposed by Fisher-Onar and Nicolaïdis (2021). Within each of the three steps in this model – provincialization, engagement, and reconstruction – I clarify what it implies for EU development studies, then link it to critiques of existing literature, including contributions in this volume, and indicate how authors point at some promising avenues forward. Finally, I argue that further research on the EU’s role towards the Global South should also account for injustices and alternatives within Europe.