Dr. Douglas Peers

Biography

Douglas Peers is a Professor in the History Department at the University of Waterloo, where he focuses on British imperialism, historiography, and military history. His research addresses the dynamics of the British Empire in South Asia and the impact of colonial narratives on contemporary understandings of history. Peers has contributed significantly to discussions surrounding the East India Company and its economic and political implications from 1750 until the uprising of 1857-1858. He examines the cultural and ideological frameworks that shaped British imperial practices and has published extensively on related topics, including the military transformations in colonial India, the historiography of imperialism, and the narratives of conflict during the British Raj. His current projects investigate warfare's role in shaping South Asian history and aim to re-evaluate the prevailing narratives regarding colonial military strategies and social structures. Peers has held various leadership roles, including Dean of Arts at the University of Waterloo and Director at the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. He has received multiple awards for his research and teaching, solidifying his position as a respected scholar in the field of history.

Research Interests