"The Portuguese Empire Sparks Debate on Colonialism in Poland": Diário de Notícias

In my recent conversation with journalist João Céu e Silva, we discussed how traces of marginalized lives remain present in Portuguese cities, even if they are not always easy to see. We talked about street names in Lisbon, overlooked figures in paintings, and the subtle ways the past endures in urban spaces, asking what it means to notice these presences. We also reflected on mobility within the Portuguese Empire and how many marginalized individuals moved across imperial spaces, often with Lisbon as their destination, hoping to change their lives by appealing directly to power. These stories challenged some of my assumptions and reminded me of the complexity of identity, agency, and belonging in imperial contexts. Finally, we considered why this research resonates beyond Portugal, including in Poland, and how questions about marginalization, social hierarchy, and forced or voluntary migration continue to shape how different societies engage with their pasts.

If you’re interested in these themes, you’re very welcome to read the full interview. Debate Colonialismo: Polónia Reflete sobre Império Português