Towards a Universality of Voices

Chapters 14 , 15 , 16 and 17 form Part IV, which analyses the IBE’s quest for universality, the difficulties it encountered and the contradictions these led it into. This chapter analyses the complex path towards universality presenting the countries participating in the IBE’s thematic surveys, the drafting of a national report for the Yearbook and the countries represented at the International Conferences. Quantitatively, the IBE was rapidly approaching the goal of universality but large regions were absent due to colonialism. The IBE was aware of the problem but refrained from intervening, always focused on its political neutrality. It was the colonial liberation movement itself that created the conditions for a more effective universality.