Neokolonial

Neokolonial refers to the practice of using capitalism, globalization, and cultural imperialism to influence a developing country in lieu of direct military or political control. The term, coined by Kwame Nkrumah in his 1965 book "Neo-Colonialism, the Last Stage of Imperialism," describes how former colonial powers, or other powerful nations, can maintain economic and political leverage over formerly colonized nations through indirect means. This can include controlling trade, manipulating financial systems, and imposing cultural values.

The core idea of neokolonialism is that a nation, while formally independent, remains economically dependent on and politically subservient to another country. This dependence can manifest in various ways, such as through foreign debt, exploitative trade agreements, or the presence of multinational corporations that prioritize their own interests over local development. Cultural neokolonialism involves the spread of dominant cultural norms, media, and consumer goods from powerful nations into less developed ones, potentially eroding local traditions and identities.

Critics argue that neokolonialism perpetuates global inequality, hindering genuine self-determination and sustainable development in formerly colonized or less developed regions. They point to historical patterns where economic policies and international institutions, often shaped by powerful nations, continue to benefit the former colonizers or dominant economies. While the methods differ from direct colonial rule, the outcome, according to proponents of the theory, is a continued form of subjugation and exploitation.