Gary Wilder

Gary Wilder is a Professor of Anthropology at the CUNY Graduate Center and Director of the Committee on Globalization and Social Change. His work focuses on historical anthropology, critical theory, and colonial/postcolonial studies, with particular emphasis on French colonialism and decolonization. Wilder is known for his influential book "Freedom Time: Negritude, Decolonization, and the Future of the World" (2015), which examines the political thought of Aimé Césaire and Léopold Sédar Senghor. The work explores alternative visions of decolonization and post-war reconstruction in the French empire. His earlier book "The French Imperial Nation-State: Negritude and Colonial Humanism Between the Two World Wars" (2005) analyzes the relationship between colonialism, republicanism, and modernism in French West Africa. This work established him as a significant voice in colonial studies and French intellectual history. Wilder's scholarship continues to influence discussions of postcolonial theory, African studies, and French colonial history. His research has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Mellon Foundation.

Academic readers note Wilder's thorough research and theoretical contributions to postcolonial studies. His works receive attention primarily from scholars and graduate students in anthropology, history, and colonial studies. Readers appreciated: - Detailed archival research and primary sources - Complex analysis of French colonial policies - New perspectives on Césaire and Senghor's political thought - Clear connections between colonialism and modern political structures Common criticisms: - Dense academic prose limits accessibility - Heavy theoretical framework can overshadow historical narrative - Some readers found the writing style repetitive Ratings and Reviews: - Freedom Time: 4.1/5 on Goodreads (43 ratings) - French Imperial Nation-State: 4.3/5 on Goodreads (21 ratings) - Limited presence on Amazon, primarily academic reviews One doctoral student noted: "Invaluable for understanding French colonial philosophy, but requires significant background knowledge." Another reviewer commented: "Important ideas buried in challenging prose."

Freedom Time: Negritude, Decolonization, and the Future of the World (2015) Examines how Aimé Césaire and Léopold Sédar Senghor, instead of seeking national independence for colonies, envisioned new forms of global cooperation and social justice during the period of decolonization.

The French Imperial Nation-State: Negritude and Colonial Humanism between the Two World Wars (2005) Analyzes the relationship between colonialism, republicanism, and humanism in French West Africa between World War I and World War II, focusing on black African intellectuals and colonial administrators.

Inventing Greater France: A New Imperial History (2023) Documents how French politicians, administrators, and intellectuals reimagined France as an expansive imperial nation-state during the Third Republic, transforming both metropolitan France and its colonies.

The Postcolonial Contemporary: Political Imaginaries for the Global Present (2018) A collection of essays exploring how postcolonial theory can help understand contemporary global political challenges, co-edited with Jini Kim Watson.

Frederick Cooper studies colonialism, decolonization, and African history with attention to empire and citizenship. His work examines similar themes to Wilder regarding French colonialism and its aftermath in Africa.

Todd Shepard focuses on France's relationship with Algeria and the broader decolonization period. His research explores how the end of empire shaped modern French society and politics.

Jennifer Pitts analyzes imperial political thought and the development of European empires. She examines how liberal thinkers justified or criticized empire, particularly in the French context.

David Scott writes about colonialism, postcolonial theory, and Caribbean studies. His work engages with questions of temporality and political futures in postcolonial contexts.

Laurent Dubois specializes in the history of the Caribbean, particularly Haiti and the French Antilles. His research connects colonial history to contemporary politics and culture in the French-speaking world.