LITR 5831 Colonial-Postcolonial Literature               

                                        Research Posts 2011  

Susanne Allen

Research Post

Examining Neocolonialism as a Progressive Loop

     Colonialism, neocolonialism, modernization, and globalization: what do these terms mean and what do they have in common?  These terms are part of many conversations, newscasts, and political rhetoric, so they must be important, right? I want to explore and understand the meanings of these words and their applications, so that I can intelligently participate in discourse concerning changes in global economies. The subject matter, at first, seems insurmountable, and not likely to fit in one research post, but, to my surprise, I find that the words are more closely intertwined than I first surmised. I found that the terms are a progressive loop that may lead back to a form of modern economic imperialism (Sarte 13). 

At the beginning of the loop is colonialism, it is the practice of actually transplanting citizens into a foreign country, then creating a nation-state form of government (Yew 1). While colonialism is not widely practiced since the 1930s, the use of colonial practices did morph into neocolonialism by the 1950s (Nkurmah 2). The Webster Dictionary defines neocolonialism as the economic and political policies by which a great power indirectly maintains or extends its influence over other areas. Webster’s defines globalization as the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets (Webster Web). These mechanisms are fueled by the perception that modernization is the answer to every county’s social and economic issues (Obadina 2).

In 1965, Kwame Nkurmah said, “Neocolonialism of today represents imperialism in its final and perhaps its most dangerous stage.” (1) Neocolonialism, in 1965, was only the beginning of a quasi new world order that, over the last forty-five years, has systemically implemented economic sovereignty in the name of modernization to many Third World countries, namely Africa and Asia (Scheuller 236). Nkurmah also says, “Neo-colonialism is also the worst form of imperialism. For those who practice it, it means power without responsibility and for those who suffer from it; it means exploitation without redress” (3). The African Voice, a popular African website, says “In the days of old-fashioned colonialism, the imperial power had to at least explain and justify at home the actions it was taking abroad. In the colony those who served the ruling imperial power could at least look to its protection against any violent move by their opponents, with neo-colonialism neither is the case.”  While researching the terms, I found that neocolonialism primarily converges around and derives its power from the United States (Scheuller 238). The United States has become an empire of its own, and other European counties are simply assisting in the process of changing the entire world system of culture into a western culture through modernization followed by economic globalization, thus completing the loop (Hardt and Negri 2000). The process of neocolonialism is virtually interchangeable with the term globalization, the two are essentially the same process. Other terms such as global economy and capitalism are used as descriptive tools to help accomplish the goal of colonialism through economic power (Yew 1).

Karl Marx, a 19th century German philosopher, said, “The country that is more developed industrially only shows to the less developed, the image of its own future" (As qtd by Obadina 1). Modernization is the process of introducing technology and western thinking to mostly agrarian countries (Schueller 237). It is a presumption that modernization is desirable. The fact that western society is more complex does not make it automatically the only way to live. Complexity does not equal human progress. Modernization is as much a phenomenon as a technological achievement (Obadina 1). The process of well-meaning modernization is complex, but it basically means that more material possessions and more technology are a necessary and preferred way of life (Sarte 12). The process of modernization uses the mechanisms of neocolonialism to transform an underdeveloped country ( Obadina 2). Neocolonialism is explained as the practice of a larger more powerful and economically successful country taking control of the economic and political policies of a country without actually colonizing the territory physically (Schueller 238). After idealizing modernization, globalization is the final segment in the loop.  Once there is acceptance that modernization is necessary, then the process of globalization can begin. Nations begin to allow economic investments, transplanted workers, and eventually the economy is given primacy over political systems (Obadiah 1). In other word, economic imperialism is achieved and a new form of colonialism is realized. It is called globalization.    

     A differing alternative to resisting modernization and cultural change is through limited war (Yew 2).  I am what I think of as a typical American, and I think our way of life is special and should be shared, and I wanted to learn if there are any nations that are fighting against globalization. I did a little research and found that the Arab countries are fighting the process. When I seriously thought about the Arabs and their way of life, I could see the value in keeping their culture and society closed. It may be preferable to becoming the newest conquest of economic imperialism through globalization. I could see that their fight against accepting western values may be a noble one to maintain their culture and economic sovereignty.  However, I think that they may lose the battle eventually, but their effort is extraordinary even though I do not believe in their means.  

      It is important for me to grasp the meaning of the terms colonialism, neocolonialism, modernization, and globalization because the terms are used interchangeably, and it often appears that they are completely different terms used to describe political and economic systems.  Now, that I have a better understanding of the terms, I recognize that each does have its own meaning, but the similarities are astounding. I will focus my next research post and my future final on globalization, and the benefits and drawbacks associated with the process.  I will also tie  my progressive loop theory into a particular nation, perhaps, Africa. I want to examine the ever widening gap between the richer and the poorer nations of the world.

 

Works Cited

 Alam, Shahid. “Articulating Group Differences: A Variety of Autocentrisms,” Science and Societ.y (Summer 2003): 206-18. Print.

Author Unknown, “The Black State Web Page.” http://www.blackstate.com/neo-colonialism.html Accessed on October 12, 2011. Web.

Eze, E.C.. “Race and the Enlightenment.” Blackwell Press, 1997. Print.

Kwame Nkrumah, Kwame. Neo-Colonialism, The Last Stage of Imperialism. First Published: Thomas Nelson & Sons, Ltd., London (1965). Published in the USA by International Publishers Co., Inc., (1966). Print.

Obadina, Tunde.  “African Economic Analysis.” http://www.afbis.com/analysis/neo-colonialism.html 2000. Accessed Oct. 11, 2011. Web.

Schueller, Malini. “Decononizing Global Theories Today.” Zinterventions, The International    Journal of Postcolonial Studies. Vol. 11 Issue 2, p 235-254., (2009) Print.