Examines the degree to which 20th century representations of colonisation, and modernity are 19th century constructs. This volume investigates the concepts of nation, identity, and culture as they have evolved within the contexts of exile and the ethnicisation of the political. It is aimed at those engaged in postcolonial and cultural studies.

Based on a 1993 international seminar headed by Mudimbe which included scholars from around the world. The essays focus on the social and political concepts of nation, identity and culture as they relate to exile and ethnicity.