Caroline E. Shaw

Caroline E. Shaw is an Associate Professor of History at Bates College, specializing in Britain and the British Empire. Her work explores the intersection of imperialism, humanitarianism, and the evolution of modern liberal ideologies, particularly through themes like race, migration, and human rights.

Education:

• Ph.D. in History, University of California, Berkeley
• B.A. in History and English, Johns Hopkins University

Research Interests:

• Imperial origins of refugee relief and humanitarian norms
• Defamation laws (slander/libel) as a lens into British societal values
• Freedom of speech and censorship in historical legal contexts
• Global dimensions of European history and decolonization
• Press liberties and their ethical boundaries in British law

Publications: Her seminal book Britannia’s Embrace (2015) examines how 19th-century British imperial practices shaped refugee relief frameworks. Current research focuses on defamation laws as tools for balancing press freedom and personal reputation since 1700.