Colonialism and Self-Determination

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to colonialism, self-determination, imperialism, decolonization challenges, and post-colonial state-building.

Self-Determination

A human right, often discussed in relation to colonialism and the independence of nations.

Imperialism

A system where a state extends its power to directly control territory and resources beyond its borders.

Colonialism

The physical occupation of a foreign territory through military force, business, or settlers, involving control of people, territory, and resources.

Non-self-governing territories

Territories that still exist today, predominantly small islands, which are not independent nation-states.

Nation-states

Independent political entities that predominantly compose the world today.

British East India Company

A company that began operating in India in the mid-18th century, governing cities and ruling over millions with high taxes and regulations.

First War of Independence (1857) (India)

An event that led to the transfer of rule over India from the British East India Company to the British Crown in 1858.

"Jewel in the Crown"

A term used to describe India, signifying its status as the largest colony and a great source of wealth for the British Empire.

Decline of Imperialism

A period following WWII where many countries gained independence, influenced by economic forces, lost wars, independence movements, and the norm of self-determination.

Norm of self-determination

A principle that contributed to the decline of imperialism and the independence of many countries after WWII.

Decolonization

The process of former colonies gaining independence, presenting challenges for post-colonial state-building related to national identity, state capacity, autonomy, and economic development.

Post-colonial state-building challenge (Nation)

The challenge of building a national identity that fits the state after decolonization.

Post-colonial state-building challenge (State)

The challenge of building state capacity, autonomy, and economic development after decolonization.

Low Autonomy (Decolonization Challenge)

A challenge for post-colonial states characterized by neo-colonialism and client states, involving external influence through physical presence, security agreements, economic support, or interventions.

Neo-Colonialism

A form of indirect control over former colonies where external powers maintain influence through economic, political, or military means, leading to low autonomy.

Client states

States that are economically, politically, or militarily subordinate to a more powerful state, often a result of neo-colonialism.

Low Capacity (Decolonization Challenge)

A challenge for post-colonial states stemming from colonial economies focused on resource exports, leading to commodity dependency, resource curse, authoritarianism, corruption, and military rule.

Commodity dependency

An economic condition where a country relies heavily on a few primary resource exports, often a legacy of colonial economies.

Resource Curse

The phenomenon where countries rich in natural resources tend to experience lower economic growth, less democracy, and worse development outcomes, often linked to authoritarianism and corruption.