Imperialism

Definition

Imperialism is the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation or empire beyond its own boundaries, often by military force or through economic and political domination. It involves the subjugation and exploitation of other territories and peoples for the benefit of the imperial power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Imperialism has been a driving force behind many historical and contemporary global power dynamics, shaping the political, economic, and social landscapes of the world.
2. The practice of imperialism often involves the exploitation of natural resources, labor, and markets in colonized territories, leading to significant wealth and power imbalances.
3. Imperialist policies have been closely linked to the perpetuation of ethnocentric attitudes, as dominant powers often view their own cultures and values as superior to those of the colonized.
4. The categorization and hierarchical organization of political systems, as seen in the colonial era, has been a key aspect of imperialist practices.
5. Addressing the inequities and power imbalances inherent in imperialist structures has been a central focus of anthropological research and activism.

Review Questions

• Explain how the practice of imperialism is connected to the concept of ethnocentrism.
  • Imperialism is often driven by an ethnocentric worldview, where the dominant power views its own culture, values, and systems as superior to those of the colonized peoples. This sense of cultural superiority justifies the subjugation and exploitation of other societies, as the imperialist power believes it has the right and responsibility to impose its own norms and institutions on the colonized territories. The perpetuation of ethnocentric attitudes is a key mechanism through which imperialist powers maintain their dominance and legitimize their actions, even in the face of resistance from the colonized populations.
• Describe how the categorization and hierarchical organization of political systems has been a central aspect of imperialist practices.
  • Imperialist powers have often employed a systematic approach to categorizing and organizing the political systems of colonized territories, often in a hierarchical manner that reinforces the dominance of the imperial power. This includes the classification of political structures, the imposition of administrative systems, and the codification of legal and social norms that align with the interests of the colonizer. By exerting control over the political and institutional frameworks of the colonized societies, imperialist powers are able to more effectively extract resources, maintain economic and social dominance, and suppress any challenges to their authority. This hierarchical organization of political systems has been a key mechanism through which imperialist powers have been able to extend and consolidate their power over vast territories and populations.
• Analyze how the anthropological study of imperialism has contributed to addressing the inequities and power imbalances inherent in imperialist structures.
  • Anthropological research and activism have played a crucial role in bringing attention to the inequities and power imbalances inherent in imperialist structures. By studying the historical and contemporary manifestations of imperialism, anthropologists have been able to document the devastating social, cultural, and economic impacts on colonized populations. This research has informed efforts to challenge the legitimacy of imperialist policies, expose the exploitation and oppression of marginalized communities, and advocate for the self-determination and sovereignty of formerly colonized nations. Anthropologists have also been instrumental in amplifying the voices and perspectives of indigenous and minority groups, empowering them to resist and dismantle the legacies of imperialism. Through their critical analysis and engagement with local communities, anthropologists have contributed to the ongoing struggle to address the deep-rooted inequities and power imbalances that have been perpetuated by imperialist practices.

Related terms

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Ethnocentrism: The tendency to view one's own cultural or ethnic group as superior to others, often leading to the rejection or devaluation of other cultures.

Hegemony: The dominance or leadership of one political, economic, or social system over others, often through cultural, ideological, or economic influence.