This article looks at how scientific theories—in particular those of South African statesman Jan Smuts—sought to reorient the position of Africa in a global, historic hierarchy. The article connects these efforts to Jane Carruthers’ attempts to explore what it means to be African in an increasingly transnational world. It also assesses the merit of “de-centred,” transnational approaches for both science and history.
DOI: doi.org/10.5282/rcc/6280