This episode dives into the world of the British Empire - as it is viewed in Britain and the lingering narratives that surround it.Today's guest is Kim A Wagner, Professor of Global and Imperial History, who discusses the reality of the British Empire and challanges the "balance sheet" view of history which sees historical events as simply "good" or "bad".

We also get on to the topic of the culture war that seems to be happening in the UK when it comes its own colonial legacy and in particular adherence to the reminders of that past in the forms of statues and names of buildings and colleges.

You can follow Kim on Twitter https://twitter.com/KimAtiWagner

William Dalrymple - The Anarchy - http://www.williamdalrymple.uk.com/books/the-anarchy