Decolonizing Emotions in French Algeria

Anticolonial Mythmaking and Morality Tales, 1954-62

By: Christiane-Marie Abu Sarah

Write A Review

Paperback | 19 March 2026

At a Glance

Paperback
288 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.2 x 15.2 x 2.0

Paperback

RRP $59.99

$58.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $14.69 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

Alongside the diplomatic struggles of the early Cold War, European politicians worked to shape emotions about the postwar order-advocating fear of communism and hope for postwar recovery. In this context, the French Empire in North Africa emerged as one important emotional battleground, where Algerian nationalists and anti-colonial campaigners challenged French narratives about imperial pride and native hysteria.

During the Algerian War (1954-1962), emotions thus became a pivotal part of the independence struggle. Accordingly, Decolonizing Emotionstracks affective politics during the revolution, focusing on members of the Front de lib©ration nationale (FLN), Combattants de la lib©ration (CDL), and Jeune R©sistance. Delving into the manifestos, poetry, and personal diaries of anti-colonial activists, the book reveals a rich world of transgressive sentiments, emotional exile, and affective border-crossings.

The stories that surface show how Algerians used biopower to combat an affective regime that refused native populations the right to be angry. The book further chronicles how Europeans complicated ideas of humanitarian pity and confronted the French production of political apathy. It is a history that holds modern relevance, speaking to contemporary debates over race relations and national pride, the pathologizing of Muslim emotions, and the contested process of how myths die (demythologization).

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $89.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.