Colonial Words, published by Daastan, is a thought-provoking book by Waqas Abdullah that explores the lasting impact of colonialism. The book offers a bold and insightful examination of how language from the colonial era continues to shape our understanding of the world and influence modern power dynamics.
In his recent interview with Daastan, Waqas shared his journey as a writer and explained how his background in international relations inspired him to write Colonial Words.
Waqas Abdullah: The Mind Behind Colonial Words
Waqas Abdullah is a geopolitical and geostrategic scholar from Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Central Punjab, Lahore. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in International Relations at Selçuk University, Konya, Türkiye, under the prestigious Türkiye Bursları Scholarship.
Speaking about his passion for writing and analysis, Waqas said:
“My academic and professional interests revolve around international relations, global governance, foreign policy analysis, and international security studies.”
Beyond his academics, Waqas serves as the Director of Foreign Affairs at DAG Media Network and hosts current affairs programs such as “Think Pol” and “Aaj Ki Baat,” where he analyzes global and regional geopolitical developments.
In his daily life, he balances academic research, media work, writing, and engagement with international academic and policy networks. He is also actively involved in conferences, Model United Nations programs, and international organizational collaborations.
Outside of academics and work, he enjoys reading political philosophy, following global news, writing analytical pieces, and engaging in discussions on international affairs and strategic studies.
Currently, he is working on research and writing projects focused on geopolitics, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia, along with his academic thesis.
Colonial Words
When we asked Waqas to share his thoughts about his book, he shared:
“My book Colonial Words explores how language is not just a medium of communication but also a powerful tool of influence in shaping global perceptions and historical narratives.
It examines how certain terminologies, frameworks, and interpretations developed during colonial times continue to influence the way international relations, identity, and power structures are understood today.
Rather than focusing on direct historical narration, the book analyzes how meaning is constructed and how intellectual frameworks can subtly shape thinking patterns in global discourse.”
The Inspiration Of Waqas Abdullah Behind “Colonial Words”
When asked about the inspiration behind “Colonial Words,” Waqas responded:
“The inspiration for this book came from observing how global narratives are often filtered through inherited linguistic and conceptual frameworks.
During my academic journey in international relations, I noticed that many ideas we use to explain global politics are not neutral; they carry historical and structural meanings embedded within them.
This motivated me to critically explore how certain “words” and “concepts” influence perception, often without being questioned.
The aim was to bring attention to the underlying structures that shape how we interpret global events and international relations.”
The Role Of Daastan
“Colonial Words” is published by Daastan, one of Pakistan’s top publishing houses. Daastan supports writers from across Pakistan and around the world.
You can purchase this book about colonialism from MeraQissa, Daastan’s online bookstore, where readers can discover and buy books by a wide range of authors.
Waqas Abdullah’s Experience in His Own Words
“Daastan played an important role in simplifying my publishing journey and turning my manuscript into a professionally published work.
The platform provided structured guidance throughout the process, especially in editing, formatting, and understanding the publishing workflow.
One of the key challenges I faced was organizing and refining complex academic and analytical content into a reader-friendly format.
Daastan helped bridge this gap by offering editorial support and technical assistance, which made the entire process much smoother and more accessible.
Their support made it possible for me to focus more on the intellectual and conceptual aspects of my work while they handled the technical publishing structure.”
Key Takeaways Of Colonial Words
According to Waqas Abdulllah:
Understanding the power of language is the first step toward understanding how global perceptions are shaped. Do not accept concepts and narratives as fixed truths; instead, examine the context in which they are produced.
I hope my work encourages readers to think independently, remain intellectually open, and develop the confidence to question established narratives while forming their own informed perspectives.
Waqas Abdullah’s Message to His Readers
At the end of the interview, we asked Waqas if he had any message for his readers.He responded:
“My message to readers is to approach knowledge with curiosity, patience, and critical awareness.
In a world where information is abundant but often filtered through particular perspectives, it is important to go beyond surface-level understanding and question the frameworks through which we interpret global events.
Do not take concepts, narratives, or dominant interpretations as absolute truths. Instead, engage with them analytically, explore their origins, and understand the contexts in which they are formed.
This habit of critical thinking is essential for anyone who wishes to truly understand international relations and the dynamics of global politics.”
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