A Structural Theory of Imperialism by Johan Galtung

1. Introduction

This theory starts from two prominent observations regarding global inequalities, both within and between countries, that persist across various dimensions of life, including self-determination over living conditions. The framework categorizes the world into Centre (developed) and Periphery (developing) nations, acknowledging that every nation contains its own Centre and Periphery, thus introducing a complex interplay of dominance and inequalities based on a structural understanding of imperialism.

Key Concept: Structural Violence

The theorizing of liberation from structural violence depends on an in-depth understanding of the forms of dominance systems in question, with particular emphasis on imperialism, defined here as a dominant relationship among collectivities, particularly at the inter-nation level.

Mechanism of Imperialism

The crux is understanding how one nation's centre dominates another's periphery through establishing control points or 'bridgeheads'. This explanation counters reductionist views which see imperialism solely through an economic lens, particularly justice theories within Marxist-Leninist contexts, and seeks to explore the multifaceted ramifications of imperialism structurally.

2. Defining 'Conflict of Interest'

In defining 'conflict of interest', the author diverges from simplistic understandings focusing on direct opposition. Instead, it refers to situations where parties pursue incompatible goals imposed by external actors, often leading to a 'false consciousness' where individuals or groups lose sight of their true interests.

Indicators of Living Condition (LC)

LC can be contextualized through income levels and the quality of life indicators, considering other structural factors like autonomy as critical metrics of interest in the conflicts.
Disharmony arises if disparities increase between any two parties over time.

Types of Interest Relationships

Harmony of Interest: When the disparity gap is decreasing, indicating connected growth.
Disharmony of Interest: When the disparity gap is widening.

Degrees of Disharmony

The system allows analysis through various degrees of harmony and disharmony, promoting an understanding of social dynamics across different developments over time.

3. Defining Imperialism

Imperialism is characterized as a relationship between a Centre and Periphery nation, structured such that:

There exists harmony of interest between the centre of the Centre and the centre of Periphery nations.
Greater disharmony exists within the Periphery than within the Centre.
Disharmony persists between the Periphery of the Centre and the Periphery of the Periphery.

This creates multi-tiered levels of inequality and structures priorities that exert domination.

4. Mechanisms of Imperialism

Imperialism operates via:

Vertical Interaction Relation: Differing levels of processing and extraction between nations leading to unequal benefits.
Feudal Interaction Structure: If nations can only interact in one direction (e.g., Periphery nations providing resources to the Centre) with minimal or no interaction between other Periphery nations, perpetuating dependencies.

Critique of Economic Relations

Economic relations often see exploitation manifesting through asymmetrical benefits across nations, leading to multiple disparities and disjunctures in growth and access to power.

5. Types of Imperialism

Five forms of imperialism can emerge based on interaction types:

Economic: Where resource exchanges occur at varying degrees of processing.
Political: Dominance through decision-making that favors the Centre.
Military: Ensuring that military might is centralized within the Centre.
Communication: Flow of information heavily favoring Centre nations and preserving imperialism through narrative control.
Cultural: Imposition of cultural narratives favoring Centre customs and values over local traditions.

6. Phases of Imperialism

Galtung identifies three historical phases:

Colonialism: Concrete physical occupation.
Neo-Colonialism: More subtle control through international organizations.
Neo-Neo-Colonialism: Future projection where communication networks become primary modes of dominance.

7. From Spin-off to Spill-over

A distinction is made between spin-off effects (when one type of imperialism benefits another) and spill-over effects (where one type of imperialism transforms into another).

The convertibility matrix became a key tool for understanding these dynamic interactions.

8. Empirical Explorations

Utilizing statistical methods for testing the theory of economic imperialism hinges on various factors and indices evaluating GDP, trade composition, and inequality. Correlation structures against proposed indicators did demonstrate expected directional tendencies, validating aspects of the imperialism hypothesis.

9. Defining Terms for Centre and Periphery

Centre: Nations high in development metrics; monopolizing political and economic advantages.
Periphery: Lower-tier countries characterized by structural inequalities, vulnerability, and exploitative relationships.

10. Conclusions and Implications

A strategic move towards horizontalization, defeudalization, and restructuring both intra- and inter-national relationships presents pathways for equity, self-reliance, and potential decolonization of knowledge, allowing the Periphery to dictate its terms of development. The implementation of rigorous structural changes must accompany global discourse to address entrenched inequalities perpetuated by existing imperialist systems.

APPENDIX: Data Summarization

Statistical correlations between outlined indices demonstrate the systemic disparities observed in living conditions and trade behaviors, evaluating 60 countries through selected metrics and suggesting pathways for addressing the global imbalance in resources and development. Summary data indicates the relationships between economic conditions, trade compositions, and internal inequalities among nations, reinforcing the structural violence theory in practice.