New MA by Dimitris Diamantis at Linnaeus University
Dimitris Diamantis recently defended his MA thesis in Colonial and Postcolonial Studies at Linnaeus University, entitled "Treaty of Yandabo: The Cultural Perspectives, Communicational Problems and Agents on Negotiations". The thesis examines the diplomatic relations between the English East India Company and Burma during the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-26). The main focus of the investigation is the Treaty of Yandabo, signed on February 24, 1826, which ended the war. In particular, the thesis examines the factors that influenced the lengthy negotiation process, such as the ceremonies, gifts, and the role of unofficial non-state actors such as translators and other mediators.
In doing so, the thesis presents a more nuanced picture of the diplomatic relations between the two empires. It is argued that the war was not simply a conflict of interest and power but that it also was a conflict between different worldviews. In order to highlight these differences, cultural misunderstandings are analyzed as these were a crucial factor for the creation and reproduction of prejudices of one side towards the other. It is concluded that the prejudices and lack of effective cross-cultural communication led to long-standing mutual suspicion and bad relations between Burma and the British.
The thesis is available with full open access through the scientific publications repository DIVA.
