Colonialisme
Colonialisme, or colonialism, is a historical and political practice in which a sovereign power extends its authority by acquiring and governing territories beyond its borders, often exploiting resources, labor, and markets. It encompasses political rule, economic extraction, cultural and administrative influence, and the settlement of settlers in the colonized lands. There are different forms, including settler colonies where large migrant populations establish communities (for example in parts of North America and Oceania), and exploitation colonies where governance centers on resource extraction and minimal local autonomy.
Historically, colonialism began in the early modern period with European maritime powers and intensified during the
The effects of colonialism were diverse and contested. They included demographic change, disrupted traditional governance, economic
Today, the legacy of colonialism remains debated. Critics point to enduring economic imbalances, political instability, and