Encrypting and deciphering empires, XVIII-XXIth centuries

Econometric interpretations of the effects of modern colonial domination based on colonial statistics, and research questioning the interactions between colonial empires, colonized populations and international institutions, are sparking renewed interest in imperial statistical production. However, little is known about it.

The seminar (4 distance learning sessions and a half-day study session in hybrid format) aims to deepen reflection and knowledge on the links between statistics produced in colonial and imperial situations and domination, based on current research. What were the statistical practices of the colonial empires of the 19th and 20th centuries? How did they train their statisticians? Who was involved in data collection, and what were the objects of choice? In what way(s) does this statistical production create links or, conversely, marginalize and exclude certain groups? What role(s) does it play in colonized territories? What contribution have these imperial practices made to the globalization of statistics over the past two centuries? How can we appropriate these data, often brandished by those who wish to make definitive assessments of colonization and the colonial empires of the contemporary era.

The seminar will combine the presentation of classic and unpublished research analyzing the role played by colonial statistics at different times (conquest of territories, mobilization of populations and resources at the time of wars, crises, cooperation policies) and critically questioning their ability to influence, if not guide, decisions. The presentations will review recent developments in research on colonial empires (presentation of the new imperial history, quantitative approaches recently reinvested by certain economists, pooling of bibliographies of work on the various empires, etc.) while proposing a more specific reflection on training in the history of statistics.

The seminar is made up of researchers who are part of the COUNT International Research Network funded by CNRS INSHS.

The Sessions will be recorded and made available in the research notebook dedicated to IRN COUNT and the ANR-21-CE41-0012 program “Counting in a colonial situation”.

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For the fourth consecutive year, first hosted by the Musée du Quai Branly (2021-2022), then by the Condorcet campus (2022-2023), with a one-day session at the Musée national de l'immigration (2023-2024), the “Encrypting and deciphering empires” seminar will be held at the Maison Suger in 2024-2025.