On the 23rd of October 2023, a captivating research seminar titled "Fluid Empires: Histories of Environment and Sovereignty in Southern Africa, 1750-1900" presented by Anjuli Webster, an historian specialising in southern African empires, marked the culmination of a series of thought-provoking seminars held by the Department of Jurisprudence throughout the year. This discussion delved into the complex relationship between the environment, imperial powers, and colonial rule in southeast Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries. The overarching goal of the discussion was to analyse the relationship between political and environmental histories of imperialism and colonial rule, highlighting the fluid networks among empires, rather than their apparent differences. This through probing how water has profoundly influenced the history of southeast Africa region, which is marked by ocean borders, seasonal rivers, and the recurring presence of drought.

 

Webster's primary focus was on understanding how communities and their environments influence one another, with water as the central theme. She raised pivotal questions about how African peoples adapted to life in arid lands and what factors shaped the centralization of African states. These questions set the stage for her main argument, which was that the consolidation of colonial conquest was, in fact, shaped by much older and slower processes. These historical developments undermined conventional narratives, and the study of water played a vital role in tracing continuity and change over time.

 

To unravel these intricate historical relationships, Webster discussed her extensive use of diverse source materials, including archival documents, oral traditions, and secondary sources in multiple languages. She even noted some of these sources as "imperial sources," underscoring the significance of studying various perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of the past.

 

She highlighted the use of a "hydrographical survey," which likely provided invaluable insights into the region's water resources and their importance throughout history. These surveys shed light on the role of political power in exerting control over competition for minerals, especially during periods of drought when access to water was particularly critical.

 

Webster emphasised the central role that water played in the conquest of southern Africa and how it remains a site of contestation to this day. The historical rupture she described serves as a stark reminder of the enduring consequences of past events on contemporary issues and conflicts.

 

The seminar offered a profound exploration of the interplay between history, environment, and power in southern Africa. By examining the role of water and its impact on various aspects of life, from adaptation to environmental change to political power dynamics.  Webster's discussion shed light on the intricacies of the region's history. This final seminar of the year not only enriched the understanding of the past but also highlighted the importance of considering multiple perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches in historical research. It was a fitting end to a series of enlightening research seminars and a testament to the enduring significance of water in shaping the history of southern Africa.