This book investigates the complex dynamics of imperial decline and the emergence of new global power structures during the first half of the twentieth century. Drawing on extensive archival research and secondary sources, Fieldhouse analyzes the economic, political, and social factors that led to the transformation of empires and the rise of dependent states. The work presents a nuanced argument about the interconnectedness of imperial powers and their colonies, highlighting the gradual erosion of metropolitan control and the increasing assertion of local agency.

Fieldhouse's "The Dependent Empire" is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of modern imperialism. Scholars often cite its comprehensive scope and detailed analysis of the period between the two World Wars. The book is valued for its balanced perspective on the forces driving decolonization and the shifting global order.