Welcome to an in-depth exploration of ‘Decolonising the Neoliberal University: Law, Psychoanalysis and the Politics of Student Protest,’ a compelling volume published by Birkbeck Law Press. This book takes a critical look at the postcolonial university, particularly in the aftermath of apartheid, focusing on the violence and trauma that stem from the overarching global neoliberal hegemony.

The work is rooted in a primarily psychoanalytic framework, which allows for a nuanced examination of various disciplines including law, philosophy, literature, gender studies, cultural studies, and political economy. By weaving together these fields, the authors aim to illuminate the conditions necessary for creating an emancipatory, or decolonised, higher education system.

In the context of the inter-generational transmission of colonial trauma, it also addresses the pressing issues related to neoliberal subjectivity that afflicts the postcolonial university. This dual focus underscores the critical challenges faced by contemporary higher education institutions.

The collection is organized around a pivotal lecture by the esteemed Jacqueline Rose. Contributions from world-renowned scholars such as Judith Butler and Achille Mbembe add significant weight to the discourse. These authors, along with numerous legal theorists and other academics, engage in a thorough interrogation of the current crisis affecting higher education.

This interdisciplinary collection is not just for academics—it will resonate with a wide audience across the humanities. Readers with a keen interest in the current state of the university, as well as those delving into theoretical frameworks surrounding postcolonialism, psychoanalysis, gender studies, cultural studies, jurisprudence, and law will find this book particularly enlightening.

By engaging with these critical perspectives, this volume encourages readers to rethink and challenge the existing paradigms within higher education. It serves as both a reflection on the past traumas and a call to action for a more equitable and decolonised future in academia.