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Imperialism refers to the policy or practice of extending a nation's rule over foreign countries, often through military force, economic dominance, or political control. Historically, it has been a defining feature of global power dynamics, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when European powers—such as Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal—established vast colonial empires across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. Imperialism was driven by a combination of economic motives (e.g., access to raw materials and markets), strategic interests (e.g., securing naval bases and trade routes), and ideological beliefs in cultural or racial superiority.

The practice of imperialism often involved the exploitation of colonized peoples, leading to systemic inequalities, forced labor, and cultural assimilation. Indigenous populations frequently faced displacement, suppression of their traditions, and economic dependence on colonial powers. While some imperial systems aimed to "civilize" or modernize colonized regions, critics argue that these efforts were often imposed without genuine consideration for local needs or autonomy.

Imperialism also took economic forms, such as neocolonialism, where former colonies remained economically dependent on former rulers through trade agreements, multinational corporations, or financial control. In the 20th century, decolonization movements led to the independence of many former colonies, though lingering effects of imperialism persist in global power imbalances, resource distribution, and geopolitical tensions.

Modern debates on imperialism extend beyond historical contexts, examining its legacy in contemporary global relations, including issues of cultural appropriation, resource extraction, and the influence of superpowers in international affairs. Scholars and policymakers continue to analyze imperialism’s role in shaping modern geopolitics, economic systems, and cultural identities.