Decolonization: A Short History” by Jan C. Jansen, published in 2019, offers an accessible overview of decolonisation in the twentieth century. Jan C. Jansen, a research fellow at the German Historical Institute in Washington, DC, collaborates with Jürgen Osterhammel, professor of modern and contemporary history at the University of Konstanz, to present a comprehensive examination of this pivotal period in global history.

The book delves into the end of colonial rule in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, portraying it as a momentous and transformative event that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the twentieth century. Jansen and Osterhammel explore the diverse trajectories of decolonisation, highlighting both peaceful transitions and instances of violence.

Taking a comparative approach, the authors analyse the economic and political repercussions of decolonisation, its implications for international power dynamics, and its enduring impact on global governance. They contextualize decolonization within unique regional and imperial contexts, offering insights into the complexities of this multifaceted process.