(Dis)connected Empires: Imperial Portugal, Sri Lankan Diplomacy, and the Making of a Habsburg Conquest in Asia

(Dis)connected Empires explores the triangle formed between the Portuguese empire, the empire of Kotte in Sri Lanka, and the Catholic Monarchy of the Spanish Habsburgs during the sixteenth century, examining the imperial ideas that shaped the politics of Renaissance Iberia and sixteenth-century Sri Lanka. It argues that the transition from suzerainty-driven to sovereignty-fixated empire-building changed the inter-imperial game and led to communicational collapse.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Dis)connected Empires: A Global Exploration of the Triangle Between the Portuguese Empire, the Empire of Kotte in Sri Lanka, and the Catholic Monarchy of the Spanish Habsburgs

In his captivating book, (Dis)connected Empires, author Biedermann takes readers on a sweeping global journey to explore the intricate triangle formed during the sixteenth century between the Portuguese empire, the empire of Kotte in Sri Lanka, and the Catholic Monarchy of the Spanish Habsburgs. Spanning nine decades of connections, cross-cultural diplomacy, and dialogue, this profound exploration seeks to answer a troubling question: why, ultimately, did one side decide to conquer the other? To unravel this complex puzzle, Biedermann delves into the imperial ideas that shaped the politics of Renaissance Iberia and sixteenth-century Sri Lanka.

While some of these ideas and the political idioms built around them were initially perceived as commensurate by the various parties involved, differences emerged early on, setting the stage for a new and transformative form of conquest politics. This shift in the inter-imperial landscape fundamentally altered the course of Lankan and Iberian politics, leaving a lasting impact on global historians.

Through meticulous scrutiny of diplomacy, political letter-writing, translation practices, warfare, and art, (Dis)connected Empires paints a troubling panorama of connections breeding divergence and leading to communicational collapse. It examines a critical chapter in the pre-history of British imperialism in Asia, highlighting how diplomacy and mutual understandings can, under certain conditions, produce conquest.

By examining the complex interplay of power, ideologies, and cultural exchange, (Dis)connected Empires offers a fresh perspective on the intricate dynamics of empire-building and the forces that drive historical change. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex tapestry of global history and the profound impact of inter-imperial relations on the world we inhabit today.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192884183