Colonialism and Self-Determination

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to colonialism, imperialism, self-determination, decolonization, and the challenges faced by post-colonial states based on the provided lecture notes.

Self-Determination

A human right, often discussed in the context of colonialism, regarding a people's right to govern themselves.

Imperialism

A system of a state extending its power to directly control territory and resources beyond its borders.

Colonialism

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

Non-self-governing territories

Territories that are not independent nation-states, predominantly small islands today, where imperialism is informal.

Nation-states

Predominant political entities in the world today, characterized by independent self-governance.

British East India Company

An entity that began operating in India in the mid-18th century, governing cities and millions of people, imposing high taxes and regulations (e.g., grow tea not food).

First War of Independence (1857)

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

Decline of Imperialism

A period following WWII marked by many countries gaining independence, driven by economic forces, lost wars, independence movements, and the norm of self-determination.

Norm of self-determination

A widely accepted principle or standard regarding the right of a people to govern themselves, influencing the decline of imperialism.

Decolonization

The process by which colonies become independent states, facing challenges in nation-building (identity) and state-building (capacity, autonomy, economic development).

Post-colonial state-building challenges

Difficulties faced by newly independent states after decolonization, including building a national identity, state capacity, autonomy, and economic development.

Low Autonomy (Decolonization Challenge)

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

Neo-Colonialism

A system where a formerly colonial power or other foreign entity exerts indirect control over a newly independent state, often through economic, political, or cultural means.

Client states

States that are economically, politically, or militarily subordinate to another, more powerful state.

Low Capacity (Decolonization Challenge)

A challenge for post-colonial states stemming from colonial economies, leading to commodity dependency, the 'resource curse' (authoritarianism), corruption, and a tendency for military rule.

Commodity dependency

Economic reliance of a state on the export of a limited number of raw materials or primary products, often a legacy of colonial economies.

Resource Curse

A paradox where countries with abundant natural resources tend to have less economic growth, democracy, and worse development outcomes, often leading to authoritarianism and corruption.