Imperialism, Colonialism, Capitalism, and Free Trade
Imperialism
Imperialism is a political doctrine aiming to control other states or communities for its own benefit. Modern imperialism often refers to the attitude of some powers, mostly European, from the Modern Age up to the decolonization after World War II. Notably, the Age of Imperialism (1871-1919) saw a race to build empires, including the Scramble for Africa. Key texts include Imperialism, a study by Hobson and Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism by Lenin. Imperialism and colonization are similar but not identical.
Colonialism
Colonialism is the influence or domination of one country by another, often through military invasion or subtle means. It can be political, military, informational, cultural, economic, or ethnic. Neo-colonialism refers to the domination of an independent state through economic and political means. Colonialism seeks to impose the colonizer’s culture, with settlers establishing their culture in the colony. This process is called acculturation.
Rise of Capitalism
The rise of capitalism was encouraged by economic nationalism and commercialism. Karl Marx argued that capitalism required a protected market, often ensured by nationalism. Today, the alignment of national and capitalist interests is questioned as capitalism seeks to escape domestic constraints through globalization.
Free Trade
Free trade is an economic concept referring to trade without barriers. Internally, it equates to free enterprise in a free market. Externally, it opposes protectionism, advocating for the absence of tariffs and trade barriers. Free trade aims to remove artificial barriers to voluntary trade between countries.
Capitalism
Capitalism is the social order resulting from economic freedom and private ownership of capital. Individuals and companies produce and exchange goods or services freely for monetary benefit. Prices and distribution are determined by market supply and demand. The term capitalism originates from the concept of capital and its private ownership. Capitalist society is based on a rational organization of labor and monetary production, characterized by social mobility and free contracts.