University News

Roberts Publishes Book Exploring American Imperial Behavior

January 30, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University Professor & Chair of the History Department Tim Roberts published a book in December with Cornell University Press titled "After Barbary: Algeria's Roles in the French and American Empires."

The book shows how a country that Americans may rarely hear about today played an interesting role in American development of an empire.

In his book, Roberts explores how American imperial behavior has a history and has surprising ties to a place many don't know much about the North African country of Algeria, particularly when it was a part of France.

"This book shows the connections of two places, the United States and Algeria, which we may think have had little in common. As a French territory, Algeria shaped both the American empire and American anti-imperial movements. Today, nostalgia about Algeria helps connect French and American nationalist politics." Tim said.

For more information on the book, visit cornellpress.

For more information on WIU's History Department visit wiu.edu/History

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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