Consequences of colonization in modern times

Effects of colonization in the modern world

Yunuen Blancas Cruz

A01749948

June 30, 2023

Geocultural Challenges of Globalization

Index

1.

What does the author refer to by the term "artificial states"?

2.

How does colonization affect modern independent countries that used to be colonies?

3.

Consequences of colonization II

4.

What is Neo-colonialism?

5.

Mexico case: analysis of the effects of colonization

6.

Mexico Case II

7.

Mexico Case III

8.

References

1. Artificial states

When the author talks about the outcomes of colonialism the term “artificial states” is brought up. This concept can be explained as previously colonized nations, whose whole infrastructure was designed towards the exploitation and subtraction of resources. As a consequence, the country has a very difficult time (which could last up to decades) establishing a new political system together with social and economical order. Moreover, domestic political conflict is a common characteristic in this type of state since there is a lack of preparation among the citizens because of the absence of participation during the previous rule.

What happens to a colonized state after it gains its independence?

2. How does colonization affect modern independent countries that used to be colonies?

The repercussions of colonialism impact how modern independent countries develop. As the meaning of “artificial state” establishes, one of the most profound effects is political instability. When a state achieves its independence, there is a lot of work to do to establish a new form of government, institutions, political parties, etc. However, the residents have little notion of these subjects because they were excluded from political life during the colonization. Hence, violent conflict often arises when political power and ideologies for the new nation crash.

Economic instability

Racism

Persisting poverty

Following, economic instability is another major challenge since the country's infrastructure was wholly structured for resource extraction and exportation. Now the nation has to create a system that allows it to gain profits and benefit its population.

The colonizers often operate by dividing the population and segregating groups. These prejudices together with a sense of inferiority towards the native population results in discrimination and different forms of racism. The discriminatory behaviors can be seen in different spheres even to the present day.

"Many countries suffered from historical inequities that, decades and even centuries later, still cast long shadows over the present day" (OHCRH, 2022). The previously mentioned consequences represent conditions in which the nation's population cannot prosper. This often translates to a poor country unable to give opportunities and a decent life to its citizens.

Moreover

3. What is Neo-colonialism?

Neo-colonialism can be understood as a scheme in which former colonial powers and developed countries use indirect forms of control to retain developing countries as a low-cost supplier. This includes influencing over economic, financial, and trade policies of transnational corporations and global and multilateral institutions (Halperin, 2023). As a result of this subordination, developing countries’ growth is blocked.

Cambridge Dictionary: Political control by a rich country of a poorer country that should be independent and free to govern itself

Historically...

This term was first used after World War II to explain continuing dependence of former colonies on foreign countries.

4. Mexico case: analysis of the effects of colonization

"The Mexican state has allowed internal colonization since its creation in the 19th century. The nation-state project led to a centralized state of dependent capitalism, as well as a lack of democracy in Mexico, and a homogenization of the population." (Ramas, 2022).

Cultural heritage

The conquest left Mexico with a great combination of cultures. The pre hispanic heritage from the Aztecs, Mayans and native groups is seen in language, ruins and gastronomy. On the other hand religion was a consequence of the Spanish Inquisition. Because of different events through Mexican history, other European or American influences are visible as well. The merge of cultures is seen in traditions, celebrations, physical places and traits of individuals.

Social believes

The narrative chosen for history can have big repercussions of beliefs and ideologies. For Mexico’s case, Spaniards are portrayed as devils and villains; while the indigenous population were strong united and brave warriors. This is of course very subjective, but it's the way schools teach kids about Mexico's history. As a consequence, there is a rejection of the conquest and of Spanish figures today together with resentment towards the Spanish conquest. A majority of the Mexican population classify the historical event as “unfair”. This has escalated up to a point where Mexico’s current president has requested the Spanish Government to apologize on behalf of its ancestors.

Developing country

Mexico is a country with a lot of potential because of its natural resources, geographical conditions and location. However it faces many economic challenges such as a huge historical debt. Additionally, Mexico is one of the main exporters of agricultural products, petrol, and metals. Nonetheless, there are multinational companies that export these resources and take most of the profits. As a result Mexico stays with a low economic profit and critically, with a tiny portion of goods for the native population. Finally, Mexico often has to rely on imports instead of the national productions. This system could be a result of colonialist rule that favored developed countries from rich nations like Mexico.

Racism

In spite of being a megadiverse country with a wide range of skin tones and factions, Mexico faces racist problems. It affects social mobility because jobs, loans, and educational opportunities and priorities to white people. In addition, discrimination can be seen in the entertainment media with a null representation in contrast to the promotion of European beauty standards.

References

Blakemore, E. (2019). What is colonialism? National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/colonialism#:~:text=Colonialism's%20impacts%20include%20environmental%20degradation,outlast%20one%20group's%20colonial%20rule Caldwell, E. (2017). The Effects of Colonization: How it Happened and How it Still Continues. Medium. https://medium.com/@megancaldwell62/the-effects-of-colonization-how-it-happened-and-how-it-still-continues-b463350d1ac5 Cambridge Dictionary. (2023). Neocolonialism. Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/neocolonialism Haimanti, R. (June 21, 2021). Why was India split into two countries? [video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrcCTgwbsjc Halperin, S. (2023). Neocolonialism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/neocolonialism Human Rights Council. (2022). Acting High Commissioner: Addressing the Legacies of Colonialism Can Contribute to Overcoming Inequalities Within and Among States and Sustainable Development Challenges of the Twenty-First Century. United Nations. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/09/acting-high-commissioner-addressing-legacies-colonialism-can-contribute Mundo ITAM. (2020). La conquista de México y sus consecuencias hoy en día. Mundo ITAM. https://mundoitam.com/2020/10/29/la-conquista-de-mexico-y-sus-consecuencias/ Ramas, D. (2022). Critique of the Conquest and Neo-Colonialism in Mexico. United Kingdom UNAM. https://unitedkingdom.unam.mx/critique-of-the-conquest-and-neo-colonialism-in-mexico/

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