Studying the Caribbean World

The author reviews fundamental aspects that had an impact on the current conformation of the Caribbean. First of all, he visualizes its geography as a territory of human exchanges and as a canvas where earthquakes and hurricanes have left their traces. Then, he reflects on his transformation as an “imperial frontier”, considering the economic, political and cultural effects of European domination. Plurality of languages, ethnic groups, forms of domination, but also of liberation-oriented movements have made the Caribbean a space with a complex diversity. In conclusion, Torres-Saillant urges to draw from the region, with intellectual humility, those possible lessons for a contemporary world that is being seduced and abused by the
power of homogenizing forces.