How can we best forge a theoretical practice that directly addresses the struggles of once-colonized countries, many of which face the collapse of both state and society in today's era of economic reform? David Scott argues that recent cultural theories aimed at "deconstructing" Western representations of the non-West have been successful to a point, but that changing realities in these countries require a new approach. In Refashioning Futures, he proposes a strategic practice of criticism that brings the political more clearly into view in areas of the world where the very coherence of a secular-modern project can no longer be taken for granted.
Through a series of linked essays on culture and politics in his native Jamaica and in Sri Lanka, the site of his long scholarly involvement, Scott examines the ways in which modernity inserted itself into and altered the lives of the colonized. The institutional procedures encoded in these modern postcolonial states and their legal systems come under scrutiny, as do our contemporary languages of the political. Scott demonstrates that modern concepts of political representation, community, rights, justice, obligation, and the common good do not apply universally and require reconsideration. His ultimate goal is to describe the modern colonial past in a way that enables us to appreciate more deeply the contours of our historical present and that enlarges the possibility of reshaping it.

Born during the final years of World War II, David grew up in Cobram, a country town in Victoria, Australia. His life choices have been varied, challenging and rewarding. Years living and working in the film industry as an exhibitor, helped prepare him for the unexpected events and trials that life presented. He is testament to the saying, 'Where there is a will, there is a way'. Finding opportunities during these encounters has been instrumental in David becoming an award winning, acclaimed playwright, turned novelist. His productions of life can be candid, confronting and humorous, all characteristics of the writer which shine through his creative work, enhancing the readers experience. If you would like to discover more about David, delve into his autobiography 'Stargazer'.