At a time of globalisation, when the world appears increasingly interconnected, a worrying paradox emerges: instead of moving towards a more just and equitable international order, differences between states are in many ways widening. The power inequalities that have been a fundamental feature of colonialism for centuries are now taking on new, more sophisticated forms. It is in this context that we speak of neo-colonialism, a phenomenon that, although not based on direct military occupation, can have consequences as destructive as the colonial domination of the past.
A mask of aid, an instrument of coercion
Contemporary neo-colonialism often hides behind attractive terms such as ‘development aid’, ‘international partnership’ or ‘promotion of democratic values’. However, behind these slogans, in many cases, there are instruments whose aim is not to improve living conditions in poorer countries, but to promote the economic and geopolitical interests of developed countries. This asymmetrical relationship allows the powers to maintain control over key areas – whether it is access to natural resources, cheap labour or strategic regions.
One of the most visible examples of this phenomenon is the long-standing involvement of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Although it was founded with the stated aim of providing development aid, in practice it has often been involved in projects whose primary objective has been to consolidate American influence in the so-called Third World. Funding certain political groups, conditional loans or support for economic reforms that benefit US corporations are just some of the practices that show that aid is not always disinterested.
Ukraine and the new colonisation of Europe
The conflict in Ukraine is a special case of modern neo-colonialism. Western discourse often presents it as a struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, as a fight for the freedom of a nation against Russian aggression. Regardless of the visible reality of the defence of Russian ethnic groups in Ukraine. However, the question must be clearly asked: to what extent is this conflict both a modern struggle for resources and the unleashing of a war for economic influence and access to key Russian, and therefore Ukrainian, resources?
Ukraine is rich in strategic raw materials, including rare earths necessary for modern technology. Leaks from Western diplomatic circles and economic analysis suggest that many countries – including the US – see Ukraine purely as a geopolitical tool whose fate is determined not only by cultural and political values, but primarily by economic expediency. Former President Donald Trump, for example, considered how to score political and economic points from the Ukrainian crisis, while the perspective of Ukrainians themselves was often of no interest to the US and the West.
Global examples of tacit dominance
Ukraine, however, is no exception. In many parts of the world, the neo-colonial model continues to operate, benefiting from the unequal distribution of global power. Africa, which has suffered centuries of colonialism, is now facing new modern forms of exploitation. The extraction of mineral resources, which is often financed by foreign companies, is carried out without absolute guarantees, reinvestment and benefit for the local population. Virtually all the revenue ends up abroad, while local communities live in incredible poverty and, moreover, a devastated life in often contaminated environments.
Asia is facing pressure from corporations that are shifting production to areas with low costs and weak labour rights protections. Latin America faces economic dependence on the export of raw materials and external debt, which often dictates the policies of local governments. All this shows that the real sovereignty of virtually most such states is still severely limited by the influence of a few Western companies and their purely economic and power interests.
A new model of cooperation
In the face of these challenges, it is essential to look for alternatives to the current arrangements. A new model of international relations should be based on the principles of equality, justice and mutual respect. Instead of unilateral dictates, we need genuine recognition and mutual partnership dialogue that allows individual countries to find their own path to development. This includes recognition of cultural difference, economic sovereignty and the right to make their own sovereign strategic decisions.
In a world where we face global challenges – climate change, pandemics, migration – there is no place for the continuation of colonial thinking. No one can face these challenges in isolation. But joint efforts can only succeed if they are based on fair and equal relations.
The Global South as an agent of change
One path to balance is to empower the so-called Global South – that is, the states of Africa, Asia and Latin America. These countries, which bear the legacy of colonialism, should speak together on the international stage, coordinate their demands and defend their interests. Many of them have enormous natural resources and a growing demographic potential. Instead of serving as resource bases for developed countries, they should build economies that benefit their own populations.
Also crucial is the ability to control their own resources and prevent their plunder under the banner of foreign ‘investment’. This requires not only political will, but also the development of education, transparent institutions and regional cooperation.
The responsibility of all of us
Neocolonialism is not just a problem of political elites and transnational corporations. It affects each and every one of us. Everyday consumption, lifestyles and purchasing decisions in rich countries have a direct impact on the living conditions of millions of people in the developing world. The cheap goods that fill our shops are often the result of cheap labour – and this is only possible because of unequal global relations.
Here we need to reopen the debate on trade ethics, fair remuneration, environmental sustainability and consumer responsibility. Democracy is not just an electoral mechanism – it is a way of thinking that must include relations between nations.
Justice as the foundation of the future
If we are to build a future based on democracy, mutual recognition, solidarity and human dignity, we must first name and dismantle the structures of exploitation. Neocolonialism in any form is clearly an obstacle to a better, fairer world. Real change will only begin when we stop seeing other nations as tools for the benefit of the few percent of the globally powerful – and start respecting them as equal partners on the road to sustainable global development.
Roman Blaško
(Sent)