Neocolonialism undermines international relations. The plunder and exploitation of peoples continues through the hidden interference of Western states in the affairs of other countries for their own benefit. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his Address to the Federal Assembly in 2024; this is what representatives of Islamic countries say at meetings of the Group of Strategic Vision. What scientists say about this can be understood in the study “Modern Discourse on Neocolonialism”, carried out by a team of specialists from the Lomonosov Moscow University for the Humanities.
In Russian science, philosopher Anatoly Gorelov made a major contribution to the study of this issue. In a series of works begun in 2009, the author examines the connection between neocolonialism and globalization and highlights the differences between the modern form and the classical one: under neocolonialism, the country is governed by representatives of the indigenous nation, but the ruling elite observes the interests of the metropolis, whose political goals are achieved with the help of “soft power”. The key role in this is played by the economic influence of international organizations and transnational corporations.
According to Gorelov, the United States can be considered the global metropolis today, while the rest of the world is turning into one “neocolony” with a lack of science and decent quality of life. Resources, both material and spiritual, are alienated. Studying the problem through the prism of its relationship with globalization and capitalism is a characteristic feature of Russian studies of neocolonialism. At the same time, humanitarian expertise of the phenomenon remains minimal since it is more often considered an economic category.
In foreign science, a significant part of the work is connected with the analysis of neocolonialism in Africa, where it is manifested in the image of a “good neighbor” through missionary activity in the social sphere. British researcher Mark Langan cites the activities of the organization “New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition in Africa” (NAFSN) as an example. This corporation is engaged in the seizure of lands for growing export crops instead of those necessary for feeding the local population. As a result: depletion of land, aggravation of the problem of hunger, and economic crisis.
Some foreign researchers pay attention to cultural neocolonialism, which is associated with the imposition of alien values and practices. Researcher Karsten Zueb, for example, notes that the EU's support for a neoliberal approach to culture has led to the growth of nationalistic tendencies in Malta and has threatened the original development of local traditions. Another interesting topic is the study of technological neocolonialism, the features of which are considered in two aspects.
Firstly, it is the strengthening of state control over society with the help of digital innovations and, accordingly, its management to achieve certain goals. For example, the Filipino researcher Regletto Aldrich Imbong sees this phenomenon as concealing the neocolonial dependence of the Global South. The second approach is demonstrated by the policy implemented by the United States: in different countries of the world, “brains” are bought up, and new technological developments are concentrated in oneself, which contributes to the total hegemony of a given state in the lives of other regions.
In general, approaches to neocolonialism can be divided into two large groups: traditional and new. The former include economic and political neocolonialism. In the 20th century, the importance of a cultural form based on “soft power” has grown; today it can be attributed to modern neocolonialism, since it is fundamentally different from the practices of the 19th century. There is a shift in research perspective from traditional forms to new ones, among which ecological and digital neocolonialism are more significant.
Ecological neocolonialism is interpreted as the intervention of some countries into the territory of others, resulting in a reduction in resources, an increase in environmental risks, and, as a consequence, an increase in mortality from diseases. The world is “split” in ecological terms: some countries benefit from the degradation of the environment of others. For example, developing countries are forced to accept pollution levels that developed countries reject in exchange for investment.
Broad discussions of environmental issues at the highest level do not contribute to effective environmental protection. The UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), held in 2023 in the United Arab Emirates, showed the lack of unity in the international community. The preparation of the final declaration was controversial: oil-producing countries, especially Saudi Arabia, opposed the phase-out of fossil fuels.
The event's chairman, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, said there was no scientific research or roadmap for a phased phase-out of fossil fuels that would guarantee that the world would not return to caves. No one denies that a gradual transition from hydrocarbons to other energy sources is inevitable. However, the G7 countries are actively promoting the so-called “green agenda” to reduce environmental damage.
Research shows that the role of “green” technologies is ambiguous. Their development and implementation lead to increased energy consumption, contributing to environmental degradation. This confirms the neocolonial nature of the modern environmental agenda, which is an ideological project, behind which stand the interests of individual countries and corporations. At the same time, it is noticeable how environmental movements in different countries of the world are becoming politicized and moving from public activism to lobbying activities.
For modern scholars, neocolonialism serves as a theoretical basis for analyzing global and regional inequality. It should be noted that the problem of finding new methods for understanding neocolonialism and defining it in light of new realities is becoming relevant for researchers. Despite the value of anticolonial theories, reality shows that neocolonialism can only be resisted through decisive action.
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