Globalization: Western Imperialism by Another Name

In our modern society the distance between individual nations is

becoming smaller and gradually less important. As international trade

and investment grow, the economies of these nations are becoming more

integrated. This phenomenon has been labelled as globalisation.

On the surface, globalisation seems like the most favourable path for

the evolution of society, yet it can be argued that eventually the

economy will be controlled by a few major organisations, remaining

more powerful than any government or the vote of general public.

However this has been the situation for many indigenous people across

the world from as far back as the 13th century. Throughout history

dominant nations have been advancing their own civilizations through

exploiting the land, labour, raw materials and markets of weaker

nations. This process of capitalist engulfment is known as

imperialism. But is this the same as globalisation?

There are many similarities between globalisation and imperialism.

Firstly, the basic aim of globalisation, for a firm or nation, is to

invest and gain a profit, and although early imperialism may have

involved elements of discovery and territorial power, turning the

resources of the oppressed nation into money became the key motive.

On this level globalisation and imperialism seem very alike.

Political theoretician Michael Parenti has this to say on capitalist

imperialism:

“Capitalist imperialism invests in other countries, transforming and

dominating their economies, cultures, and political life, integrating

their financial and productive structures into an international system

of capital accumulation.”

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... middle of paper ...

...century? Well the answer is, not

much, the Third World has ever since been serving its purpose to the

west, as a source of high profits. As long as the national leaders are

bribed and are protected by US troops, there is no need to change

anything. But if globalisation is merely imperialism by another name,

the world can expect the same response imperialism has evoked

throughout history. Rebellion.

Bibliography and References

Parenti, M, (1995) Against Empire, City Light Books, Ch. 1 ~ A concise account of the conversion to a global economy and the history of imperialism

www.nd.edu/~kellogg/WPS/261.pdf ~ A website focusing on the definition of globalisation

www.polity.co.uk/global/ ~ A globalisation research site

http://www.globalisationguide.org ~ A website asking key questions on globalisation