Assignment #1

Submitted by:

M. Waqas

Roll #

221417

Subject:

Globalization and International Relation

Department:

BS IR (4th Semester)

Submitted to:

Ma’am Shumaila Saeed

Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF)

 Globalization: Another name for Neo-Colonialism

Abstract:

Globalization is seen as a great opportunity in today’s world. But is it at all the boon we think
the MNC’s provide us with? This assignment will explore the concepts of Globalization and
Neo-Colonialization and tries to relate them. History shows us that Globalization has a dark
side which becomes prominent in the case of Sub-Saharan African Global Market. This paper
deals with the Globalization of the African markets and finds out exactly how the Western
World is acquiring benefits from the idea.

By tracing the colonial history of European powers, decolonization and the socio-political
and economic structure we will be able to understand the effects of neocolonialism and
globalization on the African economy and politics. Here i will discuss some key figures
through which we will be able to understand the interrelated concept of globalization and
neocolonialism.

Introduction:

The Great Imperial Cover-up Globalization can be seen as the process or mean by which an
increased proportion of economic, social and cultural activity is carried out across national
borders. The process of Globalization has significant economic, business and social
implications.

In the same vein, neo-colonialism is a term used by post-colonial which critics of developed
nations, involvement in developing world. Writing within the theoretical framework of neo-
colonialism argue that existing or past international economic arrangement created by former
colonial and dependence after colonial independence movement. Globalization as a new
name for neo-colonialism actually explains the tricks and a means by which the world
economic powers exploit and tap the resources of less developed countries (like Nigeria and
other sub-Saharan African countries). Due to strong advancement in technology in western
world, they have been able to gain more in bilateral or multilateral most business
engagements or transactions as globalization involves the use of modern information and
business gadget to enhance business transaction in international trade.
Those world economic powers such as China, USA, Germany, Japan, France and so on
always gain heavily more than how they give out because their high competence in the use of
technology whereas the weak trading partners like, Nigeria, Cameron, Ghana and some other
sub-Saharan African and many of the Asian countries are still very far when it comes to the
knowledge on use of those technology like computers. However, one can say that as a result
of unequal partners being the players in the globalized world today i.e. the rich nations and
poor nations, the so called power countries of the world have been at a very severe
disadvantage in comparison to the rich nations of the world like USA, Japan, and Germany.
Consequently, the developing countries have economically growing at a stagnant rate
reflecting and resulting in Poor standard of living, Low per-capita income and output,
Increasing income inequality, Income distribution and poverty, Unemployment and
underdevelopment, productivity, and Various circle of poverty and so on. The above points
are the maladies characterizing countries of which globalization has not been able to expunge
rather it deepens it and makes life easier in industrialized nations of the world.

Historical Context Colonialism and its impact:

Colonialism refers to the practice of establishing control over a foreign territory, often with
the aim of exploiting its resources, extracting wealth, and asserting political and cultural
dominance. The historical context of colonialism spans several centuries, beginning with the
Age of Exploration in the 15th century and continuing well into the 20th century. Here's an
elucidation of the historical context of colonialism and its impact on global power dynamics:

Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries):

The Age of Exploration was characterized by European powers, primarily Portugal, Spain,
England, France, and the Netherlands, seeking new trade routes and territories.

European explorers, motivated by the desire for wealth, resources, and religious conversion,
ventured into Africa, Asia, and the Americas, establishing colonies and trading posts.

The establishment of colonial empires facilitated the transatlantic slave trade, which forcibly
transported millions of Africans to the Americas to work on plantations, mines, and other
industries.
Colonial Expansion (18th-19th centuries):

The 18th and 19th centuries saw a significant expansion of colonial territories, with European
powers competing for control over strategic regions and resources.

The British Empire emerged as the largest colonial power, controlling vast territories in
Africa, Asia, and the Americas through a combination of colonization, conquest, and
diplomacy.

Colonial powers imposed their political, legal, and economic systems on colonized territories,
often exploiting local labor and resources for the benefit of the colonial metropole.

Economic Exploitation and Resource Extraction:

Colonialism was driven by economic motives, including the extraction of natural resources
such as minerals, agricultural products, and raw materials from colonized territories.

Colonies served as sources of cheap labor and raw materials for the industrial economies of
the colonizing nations, contributing to their economic growth and industrialization.

The forced labor of enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples played a crucial role in the
production of commodities such as sugar, cotton, coffee, and tobacco, which were exported
to Europe and other markets.

Political and Cultural Domination:

Colonial powers imposed their political authority and cultural norms on colonized territories,
often through the use of military force, coercion, and assimilation policies.

Indigenous institutions and governance structures were often undermined or replaced by

colonial administrations, which sought to establish control and extract resources.

European languages, religions, and cultural practices were imposed on colonized peoples,
leading to the erosion of indigenous cultures and identities.
Impact on Global Power Dynamics:

Colonialism reshaped global power dynamics by establishing a hierarchy of nations based on

colonial domination and exploitation.

European powers emerged as dominant global powers, controlling vast territories and
resources across multiple continents.

Colonialism facilitated the rise of capitalism and the development of a global economic
system characterized by unequal trade relations and economic dependency.

The legacy of colonialism continues to shape contemporary geopolitics, with former colonial
powers retaining influence over former colonies and global inequalities persisting along lines
of wealth, development, and access to resources.

The concept of Neo-colonialization: What, When, How?

Neocolonialism can be defined as the continuation of the economic model of colonialism

after a colonized territory has achieved formal political independence. This concept was
applied most commonly to Africa in the latter half of the twentieth century. European
countries had colonized most of the continent in the late nineteenth century, instituting a
system of economic exploitation in which African raw materials, particularly cash crops and
minerals, were expropriated and exported to the sole benefit of the colonizing power. The
idea of neocolonialism, however, suggests that when European powers granted nominal
political independence to colonies in the decades after World War II, they continued to
control the economies of the new African countries.
With the granting of independence to colonies, a theory of modernization took hold. This
suggested that independent countries would begin to develop very rapidly, politically and
economically, and would resemble "modern" Western countries. It soon became clear,
however, that this was not happening.
Aspects of Globalization on Africa:
Certainly, let's delve into the positive and negative aspects of globalization as a form of neo-
colonialism in Africa:
Positive Aspects:

1. Economic Development:
Globalization has facilitated foreign direct investment (FDI) in African economies, leading to
infrastructure development, job creation, and economic growth.
Access to global markets has provided opportunities for African businesses to expand
internationally, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
Integration into the global economy has diversified African economies beyond traditional
sectors like agriculture and natural resources, promoting industrialization and economic
diversification.
Africa entered the 21st century with a burst of economic growth that lasted from 2000 to
2010, when real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an average rate of 5.1% annually, up from
an annual average of just 2.5% in the prior decade.

2. Technological Advancement:
Globalization has brought advancements in technology and connectivity to Africa, improving
access to information, education, and healthcare.
Mobile technology has revolutionized communication and banking services in Africa,
fostering financial inclusion and empowering communities.
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have enabled African entrepreneurs to
participate in e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces, expanding their reach and
customer base.
More than 10% of the world's internet users now reside in Africa, owing significantly to the
massive influx of smartphone and tablet availability. This is paving the way for internet
capability in rural areas that still often lack traditional computer resources.

3. Cultural Exchange and Diversity:

Globalization has facilitated cultural exchange and diversity in Africa, as increased
connectivity and mobility have led to cross-cultural interactions and the diffusion of ideas,
languages, and traditions.
Exposure to global media and entertainment has enriched African cultural landscapes,
fostering creativity and artistic expression.
International collaborations and partnerships in education, arts, and sciences have promoted
cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

Negative Aspects:

1. Economic Exploitation:
Globalization has perpetuated economic dependency and unequal trade relations between
Africa and developed nations, as African countries often serve as suppliers of raw materials
and cheap labor for multinational corporations.
Structural adjustment programs imposed by international financial institutions have led to
austerity measures, privatization of essential services, and economic instability in many
African countries.
Exploitative labor practices and environmental degradation by foreign companies contribute
to social and economic inequality in Africa, exacerbating poverty and marginalization.

2. Neocolonial Power Dynamics:

Globalization perpetuates neocolonial power dynamics in Africa, as Western corporations
and governments continue to exert influence and control over African resources, markets, and
policies.
Western cultural hegemony dominates global media, entertainment, and consumerism,
marginalizing indigenous cultures and promoting Western values and lifestyles.
Neoliberal economic policies imposed by international institutions prioritize the interests of
Western nations and multinational corporations, undermining African sovereignty and self-
determination.

3. Role of other States in African Politics:

China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union and the
United Nations are the key actors that are playing an important role in African political
affairs.

The 82 coups Africa experienced between 1960 and 2000 were devastating for the continent
contributing to the instability, corruption, human rights abuses, impunity, and poverty that
characterized many African countries during that era. Coups, moreover, are contagious. A
successful coup significantly increases the probability of subsequent coups in that country as
well as its neighbors.
The recent spate of coups in Africa, therefore, is bad news. In the past two years there have
been coups in Mali (twice), Chad, Guinea, Sudan, Tunisia, and, arguably, Algeria and
Burundi many of which were navigating democratic transitions. This variant of the coup bug
can be traced back to the coups in Egypt and Zimbabwe a few years earlier. That means
nearly 20 percent of African countries have succumbed to coups since 2013. The continent,
thus, risks hurtling back to bad old days of military misgovernance a period often
remembered for its “lost decades.”

France, Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, China are important players those are backing
these military coups for their geopolitical and economic benefits.

4. Social Disruption and Inequality:

Globalization has widened the wealth gap and exacerbated social inequalities in Africa, as
economic benefits tend to accrue to small elite while the majority of the population struggles
to access basic services and opportunities.
Rapid urbanization and migration resulting from globalization have strained urban
infrastructure and social cohesion, leading to the proliferation of informal settlements and
urban poverty.
Displacement of traditional livelihoods and cultural practices by globalized industries and
consumerism undermines community resilience and social stability in Africa.

5. Brain draining and Labour Exploitation:

Brain drain, which is the emigration of skilled nationals, results in a depletion of skilled
human resource in the countries of origin. The African Union estimates that about 70,000
skilled professionals emigrate from Africa every year.
Many times, these workers are willing to work for less than the general population of an area.
This leaves them vulnerable for exploitation, as many of the workers may have immigrated
illegally and will seek employment with individuals or companies that may not follow all
employment laws.
 6. Income Inequality and Poverty:
Globalization can exacerbate income inequality within African countries, with wealth
concentrated in the hands of a few elites while the majority of the population struggles in
poverty. Western African which were former French colonies are densely populated and
resource rich are being exploited by the France and corrupt dummy politician backed by the
France government also led to the significant increase in poverty and inequality.
Example: Despite economic growth in some African countries, income inequality remains
high, with a significant proportion of the population living below the poverty line.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the perspective of viewing globalization as neocolonialism sheds light on the

enduring power dynamics and exploitative relationships that persist in the globalized world.
Through economic exploitation, unequal trade relations, cultural hegemony, political
influence, and environmental degradation, globalization perpetuates patterns reminiscent of
colonial-era domination, albeit in more subtle and indirect forms.

The evidence presented underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of global economic
and political structures to address the systemic inequalities and injustices inherent in the
current system. Achieving genuine economic development, social equity, cultural diversity,
and environmental sustainability requires concerted efforts to challenge and transform the
neocolonial dynamics embedded within globalization.

Moving forward, it is imperative for policymakers, international organizations, civil society

groups, and individuals to prioritize inclusive and equitable approaches to globalization. This
includes empowering developing countries to assert their sovereignty, promoting fair trade
practices, safeguarding cultural diversity, democratizing global governance structures, and
implementing environmentally sustainable policies.

By recognizing and confronting the neocolonial aspects of globalization, we can work

towards creating a more just and equitable world where all nations and peoples can thrive and
flourish. Only through collective action and solidarity can we build a future that respects the
dignity, rights, and aspirations of every individual and community, regardless of their place in
the global hierarchy.
References:

1) Ibrahim, Alhaji Ahmadu. "The Impact of Globalization on Africa." International

Journal of Humanities and Social Science

2) Arowolo, Dare. "The Effects of Western Civilisation and Culture in Africa." Afro
Asian Journal of Social Sciences.

3) John W. and Donald Rothschild. Africa in World Politics Constructing Political

and Economic Order.

4) Nkrumah, Kwame. "Introduction." Neocolonialism, the Last Stage of Imperialism

by Kwame Nkrumah”

5) https://www.marxists.org/subject/africa/nkrumah/neocolonialism/introduction.htm .

6) PLO Lumumba Speech on Globalization In Africa