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How should countries address the history of colonization in their policies today?

Politics
Global
Started May 28, 2026

Simukai Chigudu, author of ‘Chasing Freedom: Coming of Age at the End of Empire’ and associate professor of African politics at Oxford University, answers your questions about statues, reparations for slavery and decolonising the curriculum. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: [email protected] Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd and Cordelia Hemming. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Philip Bull. The editor is Sam Bonham. The

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CLAIM Posted by will • May 28, 2026
Some argue that removing statues of colonial figures is an essential step in rejecting outdated ideologies. However, others believe that these statues should remain as reminders of history, enabling critical discussions about past injustices rather than erasing them.
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CLAIM Posted by will • May 28, 2026
Countries that benefited from colonization should acknowledge their historical roles and provide reparations to affected communities. This act of restitution could help address systemic inequalities and promote healing within societies that continue to grapple with colonial legacies.
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CLAIM Posted by will • May 28, 2026
Decolonizing the curriculum is essential to provide a more balanced view of history. History classes should include diverse perspectives, particularly those of indigenous peoples and colonized nations, to foster a deeper understanding of global narratives and promote empathy.
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CLAIM Posted by will • May 28, 2026
Focusing on reparations might create further divisions between communities rather than fostering unity. Instead of financial compensation, countries should focus on education and dialogue to promote understanding and reconciliation among all citizens.
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