Research project SC/06 (Research action SC)
The major objective of the project is to rebalance our
understanding of the process through which Belgium has taken its
place in the history of international development, particularly
overseas. The frequently widespread image of Belgium is that of
a stay-at-home society with narrow horizons. It is considered
that it was only under the impulse of the dynasty and the State
that Belgium broadened its horizons and played an active part
in the transition of overseas countries to modernity. This is
a simplistic vision. The initiatives from civil society should
be taken more into account.
In practice, Belgium played an important role in the history of
transfers of technology and cultural models during the period
of transition. This was achieved through a movement driven by
a number of individual decisions. These decisions were
encouraged by numerous paths preparing for action overseas. Such
is the case with networks constituted by companies operating
abroad, by engineers' associations, by religious orders (male
and female), by diplomatic and consular networks and also by
family networks. From a social basis rich in individuals with
a certain level of education and on a limited labour market, we
can follow tens of thousands of itineraries by "Belgians
abroad". The project aims to establish a databank reconstructing
these journeys and collecting data and testimonies allowing a
better understanding of the problem, seen both from Belgium and
from societies in which Belgians have been active.
And the case of Belgium is not unique.
Similar phenomena are found in other societies whose
international activity has largely extended beyond State
frameworks that have been too small, too weak or created too
late. The project will remain aware of this comparative
dimension, particularly from the angle of small or medium-sized
powers (Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Scandinavia).
