Protector of aborigines or war criminal: Two opposing liberal views of James Brooke

Abstract

This chapter utilizes the two views of James Brooke to demonstrate the different elements of nineteenth century liberal ideology and the internal debate within it over the use of military force to achieve the liberal goal of civilisational development. Chamerovzow clearly outlined in the argument that Brooke was a war criminal. Brooke described himself politically as a liberal, but not a radical, and dedicated his regime in Sarawak to the advancement of civilisation, free trade, and the protection of Aborigines by ending piracy and establishing a government in their interest. James Brooke invoked imperial humanitarianism to gain support for his regime in Sarawak. As Rajah of Sarawak, Brooke went about reforming what he argued was a degraded state. When the commission concluded, it failed to give an answer that satisfied either the liberal critics of Brooke or even Brooke's supporters. Hume's and Cobden's lobbying finally paid off and they got their commission of inquiry.