Decolonization--Netherlands--History--20th century
Much has been written on the post-war decolonisation in the Caribbean, but rarely from a truly comparative perspective, and seldom with serious attention to the former Dutch colonies of Surinam, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. This study bridges both gaps. In their analysis of Dutch decolonisation policies since the 1940s, the authors discuss not only political processes, but also development aid, the Dutch Caribbean exodus to the metropolis and cultural antagonisms. A balance is drawn both of the costs and benefits of independence in the Caribbean and of the outlines and results of the policies pursued in the non-sovereign Caribbean by France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The comparative context: fragmentation of the British West Indies and the remnants of empire -- The comparative context: the French départements d'outre-mer, grandeur and civilisation at a price -- The comparative context: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, deadlocks in American geopolitics -- Dutch rule in the Caribbean up until 1940: careless colonialism -- The dismantling of the Dutch Empire, 1940-1954 -- The failed attempt at model decolonisation, 1954-1975 -- The perpetuation of the transatlantic kingdom since 1975 -- Illusions and benefits of 'reciprocal assistance': development aid -- A Caribbean exodus -- Cultural exchange, proximity and distance.