In 'A Turn to Empire,' Jennifer Pitts offers a compelling examination of the intellectual and political origins of imperial liberalism in 19th-century Britain and France. Pitts meticulously uncovers how liberal thinkers, traditionally seen as proponents of individual liberty and self-governance, paradoxically came to justify and promote colonial expansion. The book reveals the intricate ways in which imperial ventures were rationalized within liberal frameworks, demonstrating the deep connections between domestic political thought and overseas ambitions. This insightful work reshapes our understanding of liberal ideology and its complex relationship with empire during a pivotal historical period, challenging conventional narratives about European colonialism.