Decolonization and Neocolonialism: A 20th-Century Shift
Decolonization and Neocolonialism
The Independence of Colonies
Decolonization refers to the process of independence of the colonies that Europeans held in Asia and Africa (TOPIC 11 – Independence). This phenomenon primarily took place in the 20th century. The end result, in all cases, was that the former colonies were emancipated from their metropoles and became independent states.
Neocolonialism and its Impact
Neocolonialism is the phenomenon by which control over the wealth of former colonies remains in the hands of companies based in the former metropoles. International agencies like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund also contribute to this neocolonialism.
The Non-Aligned Movement
Non-aligned countries during the Cold War were those that were not part of either of the two blocs (East-West).
The Bandung Conference (1955)
The most significant event in the decolonization process was the Bandung Conference (Indonesia) in 1955. Twenty-nine heads of state from countries in Asia and Africa met there. Their proposals included:
- The right of all peoples to independence.
- The rejection of bloc politics.
- The intent of newly independent countries to remain neutral.
Thus arose the concept of the Third World, which grouped all non-aligned countries. The conference also condemned discrimination and racial segregation. The importance of this conference was that, for the first time, the former colonies expressed themselves through their own voice, and did so with authority and certainty in their demands.
Apartheid in South Africa
Apartheid was a segregationist regime imposed by the white minority in South Africa and Rhodesia, which divided the population by race: whites, with full rights, and mixed-race and Black people, with restricted rights.
Middle East Conflicts
Yom Kippur War (1973)
The Yom Kippur War was a conflict between Egypt and Syria against Israel in 1973. This date was chosen by the Arabs because it is a Jewish religious holiday, and they wanted to take advantage of the element of surprise. However, Israel won the war and occupied the Sinai Peninsula.
The State of Israel
The UK decided to withdraw from Palestine in 1947, agreeing with the UN to partition the territory between Arabs and Jews. In 1948, the Jews proclaimed the State of Israel.
Six-Day War (1967)
The Six-Day War involved Israel’s Operation Lightning in 1967, justified as a preventive measure. Israel occupied Gaza, the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula.
Balfour Declaration (1917)
The Balfour Declaration took place in 1917, and through it, the British government supported Jewish settlements in Palestine.
Gandhi and Nonviolence
The philosophy of nonviolence, practiced by Mahatma Gandhi, involved opposing British colonization without using violent confrontation, but through peaceful and silent opposition, such as fasting and boycotting British goods.
The Commonwealth
The Commonwealth (common prosperity) is an international organization bringing together some of the states that were once colonies of the British Empire. Among its priority objectives is economic cooperation.
Intifada
Intifada is a civil uprising movement against the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel. Their actions are often staged by children and adolescents.
Populism and Military Dictatorships in Latin America
Populism
Populism is a political movement that relies on the middle and lower classes, with established paternalistic relations. One of the preconditions is the existence of a charismatic leader. An example is Peronism (Argentina).
Military Dictatorship
Military dictatorships were a monitoring procedure established by the Americans. In the second half of the 20th century, all the countries of South America, with the exception of Colombia and Venezuela, suffered under such dictatorships. Examples include:
- Pinochet (Chile), who launched a coup against the democratic socialist government of Salvador Allende.
- Videla (Argentina).
Shared characteristics of these dictatorships include:
- Systematic violation of human rights.
- Killings of political opponents.
- Lists of disappeared people.