In the 1940s, when World War II was shaking Europe to its core, Britain faced serious challenges in the regions it governed as colonies and mandates. From the outside, it seemed like an empire struggling to maintain order, criticized by all sides, and unable to find effective solutions. By the early 1970s, Britain would withdraw from all its colonies, and many historians evaluating this period would often use words like “chaos,” “confusion,” “incompetence,” and “uncertainty” to describe British
In the 1940s, when World War II was shaking Europe to its core, Britain faced serious challenges in the regions it governed as colonies and mandates. From the outside, it seemed like an empire struggling to maintain order, criticized by all sides, and unable to find effective solutions. By the early 1970s, Britain would withdraw from all its colonies, and many historians evaluating this period would often use words like “chaos,” “confusion,” “incompetence,” and “uncertainty” to describe British rule.
But was this really the case? Did Britain exhibit a clumsy, careless, and amateur administration? Or was there, in fact, a meticulously thought-out, patiently executed, long-term strategy aimed at future generations? A careful look at the historical process and the geography in question reveals that the answer lies in the latter. Particularly in the Muslim world, when one looks beyond the apparent chaos in regions that experienced British rule, it becomes evident that the "state mind" in London was implementing the following seven key principles with great care:
Deep Understanding of the Region
A hallmark of British-style colonialism was creating a detailed inventory of the regions they governed. This included identifying all underground and surface resources and classifying them for ready use. This vast knowledge, collected by a diverse group ranging from travelers and academics to spies and archaeologists, allowed them to penetrate even the most private aspects of different climates.
Non-Intervention in Local Traditions, Cultures, and Religions
When the British established control over a region, they generally refrained from interfering in local customs, religions, and beliefs, as long as there wasn’t a major public order issue. Although they set up their own churches and missionary institutions, especially in Muslim regions, they tried to find common ground with religious institutions. As a result, they often found local clergy willing to collaborate with them. This non-interference fostered a sense of goodwill among the governed populations, who, in exchange for religious freedom, did not resist British political control.
Stoking Conflict Between Rival Factions
The British, well-versed in the dynamics of the lands they controlled, would subtly fan the flames of rivalry and animosity among different social groups whenever it suited their interests. By stirring up ethnic, religious, sectarian, and regional divisions, they prevented the regions under their control from uniting as a single force, skillfully leveraging this ongoing tension for their own benefit.
Remaining (Seemingly) Neutral in Internal Conflicts
Another traditional British policy was to remain "neutral" and act as a "referee" in internal disputes and competing claims. While they identified fault lines and stoked conflicts, they never fully supported one side, constantly shifting allegiances. Their interests would change based on the outcomes they aimed to achieve. A striking example of this was Britain’s decision to hand the Palestinian crisis over to the UN after fermenting it, and then abstaining in the famous partition vote on November 29, 1947.
Establishing Functional Governance Systems, Constitutions, and Institutions
Britain was keen on setting up working systems in the regions under its control, forming an educated bureaucracy, drafting constitutions, and training the civil service. This practice, which often included employing local elements within power structures, ensured that even after colonial or mandate administrations ended, a political culture loyal to London remained.
Instilling British Culture Through Elites
The method used to embed British culture and habits in societies was to spread these codes among the elites. In doing so, they created a kind of "elite club" that everyone aspired to join. Over time, this club produced the ruling classes and opinion leaders. Muhammad Iqbal, for instance, was also known as “Sir.”
Creating Border Disputes Among Neighbors
As Britain withdrew from the regions it had governed, it deliberately implemented geographic arrangements that would keep border disputes alive. By highlighting ethnic and religious boundaries and making the distances between opposing sides more visible, it laid the groundwork for massive problems that continue to this day.
Despite frequent statements beginning with "The British..." when evaluating any issue in the Muslim world, the logic that underpinned British colonialism and global dominance has not been sufficiently studied or understood. Understanding the saga of the British Empire and the hegemony it established over the Muslim world is a duty that falls on the shoulders of all Muslims.
