Looking to gain a broad understanding of how the current historical field sits, with regards to the impact of spatial history in understanding themes of Empire such as racism and violence.
Check out the Google Scholar Profile for Timothy P Mitchell (Columbia University). Several of his publications would be right up your alley...
Also, as you mention spatial history: if you are interested in historians' attempts to think more carefully about space, place, and spatiality, check out volume 11 number 4 special issue of the journal "Rethinking History".