Introduction : Writing a Handbook on critical race and whiteness theory in the time of Black Lives Matter and anti-racism backlash

The introductory chapter traces the contours of the rising but controversial interest in critical race and whiteness studies, in the aftermath of the transnational Black Lives Matter demonstrations and increasing conservative attacks on teaching and research in this field of knowledge. The chapter provides an outline of the historical development from scientific racism and colonialism to the emergence of critical race and whiteness studies from the 1980s onwards. Elaborating on some of the central themes of the research field, such as intersectionality, colour-blind racism, white innocence, crisis of white masculinity and white hegemony, the chapter contextualizes the current debates in previous scientific discussions. The chapter further identifies the future directions of this field of knowledge and its linkages with antiracist and decolonial campaigns and activism.Peer reviewe