At the 50th Anniversary Conference of the Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh, 6-8 June 2012, this panel seeks to make connections between the different moral crusades relating to trade with and within African states over the longue durée of imperial involvement in the continent. By highlighting the recursive reappearance of similar language in creating the image of the illegitimate trade as a moral evil; capable of not only inflicting suffering on its victims, but also dragging society as a whole backwards, the panel will seek to add complexity and detail to the existing literature on the civilising mission. The panel will also take into account the structures put in place by the earliest moral crusade, the Slave Trade Abolition movement, and how the institutions, techniques and practices as well as discourse were utilised by later networks.

We are looking for additional interested participants, either to present a paper or to chair the panel. Any suggestions are welcome!