Description
Explore the compelling narrative of 'Empires of Vice' by Diana Kim, a groundbreaking examination of opium's role in European colonial rule. This trade paperback, published by Princeton University Press in 2021, dives deep into the intricate history surrounding the legalization and subsequent prohibition of opium from the late nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. Uncover how British and French colonizers profited from opium taxation while imposing moral authority over their non-European subjects. Kim challenges traditional views on opium prohibition, revealing that it was not merely a response to rising drug addiction or pressure from moral crusaders but rather a complex interplay within colonial bureaucracy. 'Empires of Vice' utilizes extensive archival insights from Southeast Asia and Europe, shedding light on the pivotal roles of local bureaucrats in delegitimizing opium taxation. This transformative analysis compares colonial experiences across modern-day countries like Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, framing how these historical events shaped today’s political economy of illicit drugs. A must-read for historians and enthusiasts of colonial studies, this book intricately weaves together narratives of governance, vice, and the legacies of colonialism, making it an essential addition to your library. Discover how 'Empires of Vice' reveals the entangled histories that continue to influence Southeast Asia’s contemporary challenges with drug policies and its punitive state.