The hottest Colonialism Substack posts right now

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Orwell Comes to Campus: The Ideology of Settler Colonialism

The Octavian Report • 8 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Ideology Activism Colonialism Social movements
  1. Settler colonialism is a theory that explains how some societies have replaced indigenous populations. It highlights a history where settlers took land and resources, often causing harm to native peoples.
  2. The term 'settler' now includes not just the original settlers but anyone who lives in those areas and isn't indigenous, which can lead to complicated discussions about who belongs where.
  3. Many people today use the idea of settler colonialism to criticize modern issues like inequality and environmental exploitation, seeing them as ongoing results of historical injustices.

Sorry, Elon: Henry Ford Started a Colony First

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💾 History Colonialism Economics Agriculture Management Environment
  1. Henry Ford tried to create a city called Fordlandia in the Amazon rainforest to produce rubber. He faced many challenges because the environment was very different from what he knew.
  2. The project suffered from poor living conditions, high worker turnover, and management problems, leading to riots and disease among workers. It was hard to get people to stay and work.
  3. Ultimately, the project failed to produce rubber as intended and Ford lost a lot of money. It shows how difficult it is to impose a new way of life in an unfamiliar place.

Congo's Curse

Comment is Freed • 80 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Colonialism Resources Governance Intervention
  1. The Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in natural resources, but its wealth is not benefiting its people. Instead, many live in poverty while corrupt leaders and foreign powers exploit the country.
  2. The idea of the 'resource curse' explains how having lots of valuable resources can lead to more conflict and bad governance. In places like Congo, greed often outweighs the needs of the people.
  3. Rwanda's role in the conflict in Congo is complicated, as it backs rebel groups for its own interests. This has created a cycle of violence and instability that continues to affect the region today.

Colonization, Replaceable Man, and Love of One’s Own

The Upheaval • 1852 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Colonialism Cultural Identity Populism Migration
  1. Colonization changes how people see themselves and their culture. It often leads to a loss of national identity and local traditions.
  2. Modern society is experiencing a kind of self-colonization driven by globalization. People and cultures are treated more like replaceable cogs than unique communities.
  3. Nationalism is rising as people respond to the loss of their identity. Many are now striving to take pride in their own culture and seek to protect it.
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NOTES: Reckoning with Post-Columbus Empires

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💾 History Colonialism Cultural Exchange Economic Impact
  1. Empires are built on conquest and exploitation, but they can also lead to positive effects like cultural exchange and technological progress. It’s important to recognize both the harm and the unintended benefits.
  2. The legacy of colonialism often leads to a complex view where the loss of local power is weighed against advances in trade, technology, and cultural contact. Understanding this balance is key.
  3. When reflecting on imperial history, it's essential to consider the wider impacts on society rather than just focusing on the actions of the conquerors. This broader perspective helps us see the mixed legacy of empires.

Africa’s exception to every rule: Ethiopian genetics, sovereignty and religion

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 572 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
💾 History Civilizations Genetics Colonialism Cultural Studies
  1. Ethiopia is unique in Africa due to its rich history, diverse cultures, and genetic diversity. It has a mix of influences from both Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
  2. The country's geographical features, like its highlands, have helped preserve its independence and distinct cultural identity over centuries. This has made Ethiopia a symbol of resistance against colonialism.
  3. Ethiopian genetic studies show a complex ancestry that includes both African and Eurasian elements. This makes Ethiopians distinct from other populations, emphasizing their unique place in human history.

"Blind Imperial Arrogance," by Edward Said

Pen>Sword • 1278 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Imperialism Middle East US Foreign Policy
  1. Imperial power is not just about military might, but also about imposing a perspective on distant lands and people, leading to conflicts between rulers and the ruled.
  2. American strategic interests in the Middle East have historically focused on securing oil supplies and supporting Israel, shaping its policies and perspectives in the region.
  3. The Orientalist view has perpetuated a denial of Arab self-determination, portraying them as incapable and fundamentally violent, contributing to ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.

There Is Only One Way Out of This

Discourse Blog • 1926 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Human Rights Colonialism Occupation
  1. The violence in Palestine and Israel is directly linked to Israel's occupation, killings, and apartheid state.
  2. All human rights organizations concluded Israel is an apartheid state that systematically oppresses Palestinians.
  3. The only solution to end the violence and conflict is for Israel to end the occupation, apartheid state, and blockade of Gaza.

Global 1% own 43% of financial assets, 5 richest billionaires doubled wealth while 5 billion workers got poorer

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1076 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Inequality Wealth Distribution Colonialism Economic System
  1. The top 1% own a significant portion of global wealth, while billions of workers have seen a decline in their financial well-being.
  2. The wealth of the five richest billionaires doubled since 2020, while a large percentage of humanity experienced a decrease in wealth according to Oxfam.
  3. Inequality is stark between the Global North and South, with the economic system perpetuating disparities, reminiscent of a new form of colonialism.

Must we have these institutions forever?

Something to Consider • 139 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Institutions Trust Corruption Development Colonialism
  1. Our institutions and rules affect how well a society can produce and grow. Good institutions help foster trust among people, while bad ones can keep societies trapped in poverty.
  2. The legacy of harmful practices, like the slave trade, has long-lasting effects on trust and cooperation in societies. Areas that were heavily affected tend to have less trust even today.
  3. Changing poor institutions can help lift countries out of poverty. This might involve outside help or imposing better rules that foster cooperation and trust among the people.

Global Britain and King Charles’ Great Reset

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1493 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🌍 World Politics Monarchy Colonialism Globalism Intelligence Nazism
  1. Global Britain exerts vast control over African mining concessions with over $1 trillion worth of resources controlled by British companies.
  2. The City of London is the nerve center of world finance, running trillions in corrupt practices globally via offshore tax havens.
  3. British intelligence, as the creator of the Five Eyes apparatus, has been tied to supporting terrorist groups and cultivating radical ideologies internationally.

The Peace of Westphalia as a Lesson in Solving Religious Wars Past Present or Future.

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1434 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
💾 History Colonialism
  1. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 transformed world history by setting the foundations for the concept of sovereign nation states.
  2. The Treaty of Westphalia aimed for a perpetual, true amity among nations while promoting forgiveness for past transgressions - principles applicable to all civilizations.
  3. The economic developments following the Treaty of Westphalia, such as infrastructure projects in Europe, demonstrated the vitality and benefits of peace among nations.

On Terrorists and Freedom Fighters

Pen>Sword • 838 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Imperialism Race
  1. The film 'The Battle of Algiers' showcases the struggle of people fighting for independence and challenges the labels of 'terrorist' and 'freedom fighter' in colonial contexts.
  2. Laws in colonial and settler colonial states often delegitimize self-determination and dehumanize resistance, labeling it as 'terrorism' along racial lines.
  3. Racial dynamics play a significant role in how individuals involved in conflicts are perceived, with white actors more easily perceived as 'freedom fighters' while non-white individuals are often labeled as 'terrorists'.

An Israel-Palestine Reading List

Glenn Loury • 793 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Conflicts History Politics Middle East Books Israel-Palestine conflict History Colonialism Politics Middle East
  1. The reading list on Israel-Palestine conflict includes diverse perspectives and historical accounts from authors like Norman Finkelstein, Rashid Khalidi, and Benny Morris.
  2. The list delves into topics such as the historical roots of conflict, political dimensions, peace efforts, and the impact on Palestinian society.
  3. Authors like Avi Shlaim and Michael Oren provide insights into strategies, regional context, and key personalities during significant events like the Six-Day War.

On Divide, Conquer, and Crabs in the Bucket

Pen>Sword • 898 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Activism Colonization Genocide Online Activism Colonialism
  1. Reading the work of postcolonial intellectual giants Fanon and Césaire is crucial in understanding the flaws of activists falling into the trap of undermining others in the struggle for freedom.
  2. Online activists can perpetuate a 'divide and conquer' scenario by attacking their own comrades, pushing forward the colonial objective on digital platforms.
  3. Césaire's message from 'Discourse on Colonialism' emphasizes the importance of not dehumanizing the colonizer in efforts for liberation, as it plays into the colonial project and harms the movement.

Genocide as Colonial Erasure (w/ Francesca Albanese) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 161 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights International Law Conflict Colonialism Media influence
  1. Genocide is recognized as a process, and many actions taken against the Palestinian people, including mass killings and forced displacement, indicate a systematic effort to destroy them as a group.
  2. The situation in both Gaza and the West Bank shows a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, with conditions worsening and acts of violence against Palestinians increasing significantly over time.
  3. International responses, including arms embargos and legal actions, are crucial to address ongoing violence and prevent further genocide; the failure to halt these actions raises concerns about global accountability and respect for human rights.

Samiska aktivister försöker tvinga bort Jonny Hjelm

Rak höger med Ivar Arpi • 589 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Academic Freedom Colonialism Cancel Culture Research Ethics
  1. Samiska aktivister kritiserar Umeå universitet för kursinnehållet som handlar om samer, och anser att en icke-same som Jonny Hjelm inte borde studera detta.
  2. Akademisk frihet och öppen debatt är viktiga värden på universitet enligt fördrag som Umeå universitet har skrivit under.
  3. Det finns oro kring hur aktivister och media porträtterar en kurs om samer vid Umeå universitet, och det finns frågor kring varför det inte finns offentligt stöd från institutionen eller forskarkollegor för den kursansvarige.

The Future of Peace (2/4)

The Joyous Struggle • 671 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Peace Conflict Racism Colonialism Denial
  1. The quality of our initial perception of a problem space is crucial. Understanding peace requires moving beyond individual areas and issues to see global interconnections.
  2. Perception, 'whiteness', and denial are key areas of inquiry highlighted when reflecting on complex situations like Gaza. It's important to challenge default ways of viewing the world and moral sensibilities.
  3. The notions of racism, colonialism, and denial play significant roles in how we perceive conflicts like the one in Gaza. Troubling boundaries, acknowledging historical influence, and combating denial are vital for achieving peace.

"Self Defense" is a Common Excuse for Genocide.

JoeWrote • 66 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Genocide Self defense Historical Analysis Military Affairs Colonialism
  1. The concept of 'self-defense' is often misused to justify violent actions, including genocide. Many times, countries or groups claim they are protecting themselves while their actions actually harm innocent people.
  2. History shows that justifications for violence, like 'self-defense', have been used in various genocides, such as the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust. These tragedies remind us that this reasoning can lead to horrific outcomes.
  3. It's important to question the narrative of self-defense when it leads to widespread harm. We should critically evaluate claims made by powerful entities and hold them accountable for their actions.

The 'Lost Bushmen' of the Drakensberg: The Bantu, The San & The Mountain

Grey Goose Chronicles • 805 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
💾 History Social Dynamics Cultural Exchange Colonialism Indigenous Peoples
  1. The history of the Bushmen in the Drakensberg region is rich with tales of interaction between farmers and hunter-gatherers.
  2. The San peoples, though often seen as living relics of the stone age, have a complex and diverse genetic and cultural background.
  3. The 'Secret San' of the Drakensberg, a mix of various ethnic groups, have a unique legacy and identify as the descendants of hidden San peoples.

By Toppling The Syria, The US Has Guaranteed The End Of America In The Middle East.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 42 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Colonialism Civil Rights Political Economy
  1. The U.S. involvement in Syria may lead to negative consequences for America in the Middle East. People there could react strongly against Americans and their presence.
  2. There is a belief that American ignorance about its history and global actions contributes to its problems. Many feel that the U.S. needs to acknowledge its past mistakes and take responsibility.
  3. The current state of America's government and society is seen as corrupt. Some believe that a significant change is needed, potentially putting more power in the hands of indigenous people.

Poverty is growing in Puerto Rico, under US colonialism: 57.6% of children live in poor households

Geopolitical Economy Report • 598 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Poverty Inequality Economy Migration
  1. Poverty in Puerto Rico is on the rise, with over two-fifths of the population and nearly three-fifths of children living in poor households.
  2. Despite more people being employed, poverty continues to worsen in Puerto Rico.
  3. The US colonial status of Puerto Rico has contributed to its extremely high poverty rates and income disparities compared to the rest of the United States.

Washington finds his calling

A User's Guide to History • 255 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💾 History Military Leaders Battles Colonialism Biography
  1. George Washington showed early signs of leadership and military skill when he led a small militia group to victory in battle.
  2. Washington had a natural inclination for soldiering, always feeling alive in moments of danger and battle.
  3. Throughout his life, Washington maintained his courage and charm even in the face of enemy fire, showing his leadership qualities and bravery.

The Reeds and the Silt

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Ethnic conflict Colonialism Cultural heritage Nationalism Imperialism
  1. The article discusses the Siberian Battalion, a group of fighters from various Turkic and Mongolic ethnic groups in Russia fighting against their own country, with a focus on a soldier named Vargan.
  2. The text delves into the historical and cultural significance of the mouth harp, known as the 'Vargan', connecting it to traditional Sakha culture and the broader history of musical instruments.
  3. Kant's writings on Laplanders and Yakuts highlight his observations on ecosystemic balance and the interconnection between relative and absolute ends in nature, showing his perspective on northern cultures and regions.

Trump Is An Idiot! Canada Can Simply Join The BRICS.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade Policies Colonialism Political Commentary International relations
  1. Canada is not dependent on the US for its economy but instead has resources that the US needs. This means Canada can easily find alternatives to trade if the US's relationship with them becomes strained.
  2. The issues in Canada, like homelessness and economic struggle, stem from poor policies influenced by US interests and trade agreements. Many Canadians feel they are being taken advantage of by American trade practices.
  3. Canadians are becoming unhappy with the US's control over their resources and markets, leading to a desire for Canada to seek out new partnerships and opportunities, potentially looking to join groups like BRICS.

Occupied Melilla, Occupied Palestine

Kevin’s Newsletter • 373 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Conflict Occupation Resistance Unity
  1. The difference between peaceful Melilla and blood-soaked Palestine is stark due to varying attitudes towards occupation and the treatment of locals.
  2. Spain's relatively reasonable and humane approach to their occupation of Melilla contrasts with the fanatical and dehumanizing actions of the Zionists in Palestine.
  3. Generosity and recognition of the humanity of others in Melilla, including facilitating trade and granting citizenship, contribute to a more harmonious coexistence compared to the violence and oppression in Palestine.

Deconstructing the Hegemony; Reconstructing the Pluriverse — II

Pluriversal Planet • 216 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🚌 Education Colonialism Hegemony Philanthropy Propaganda Global South
  1. Participatory democracy is a myth in a world dominated by Eurocentric and profit-centered ideologies.
  2. Hegemony and regeneration are conflicting philosophies, with efforts towards a pluriversal world being hindered by hidden hegemonic tactics.
  3. Tools of hegemony include philanthropy, propaganda, and education, which perpetuate control, maintain the status quo, and limit diverse perspectives.

Our Civilizational Trajectory and the Dangers of a Single Story

Pluriversal Planet • 216 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Hegemony Resistance Narratives Globalism
  1. The unfolding tragedy of Gaza reveals the interconnectedness of our past, present, and future civilizations.
  2. Colonialism manifests through genocide, ecocide, and epistemicide, supported by neoliberal capitalism.
  3. Emergent narratives from voices suppressed by the hegemony offer seeds of hope for a pluriversal future beyond homogeneity.

Should People Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III?

Surviving Tomorrow • 314 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌍 World Politics Monarchy Corruption Colonialism Reparations
  1. Not all kings have legitimate power, and it's important to speak out against corrupt authority.
  2. The Windsor family has a long history of profiting from war, genocide, economic exploitation, and tax havens.
  3. Ending the corruption of the House of Windsor would involve abolishing the monarchy, making reparations to the people, and transitioning the family to work without their unearned privileges.

Shaka Zulu: The Last of the God-Kings

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 566 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
💾 History Leadership Ethnography Colonialism
  1. Humanity's transition from foragers to farmers and the formation of mass societies is a recent development in our long history.
  2. Most humans today descend from the group that migrated out of Africa in the last 60,000 years and transitioned from foraging to farming.
  3. The story of Shaka Zulu exemplifies the violent and inevitable transition of humanity from foragers to warlike farmers, leading to the formation of mass societies.

British empire killed 165 million Indians in 40 years: How colonialism inspired fascism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 398 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Genocide Economics Fascism Imperialism
  1. British colonialism in India under the British empire caused the deaths of at least 100 million Indians in just 40 years from 1880 to 1920, and the theft of trillions of dollars in wealth.
  2. European empires' genocidal acts inspired fascist leaders like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, leading to similar genocidal crimes within their own territories.
  3. The British empire, along with causing the deaths of millions of Indians, also drained an estimated $45 trillion of wealth from India between 1765 and 1938, significantly impeding the country's growth and development.

Mongols of North America

Wood From Eden • 528 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
💾 History American history Colonialism
  1. The Comanche people used the arrival of horses on the plains to develop a new way of life centered around horses and hunting bison from horseback.
  2. The Spanish colony of New Mexico had to resort to cooperation and appeasement with the Comanche, offering lavish gifts in exchange for peace and stopping raiding.
  3. The decline of the bison population due to hunting by commercial buffalo hunters in the 1870s was a decisive blow to the Comanche economy, leading to their ultimate decline and confinement to reservations.

In fiery UN speech, Honduras condemns colonialism, neoliberalism, coups, corporate exploitation

Geopolitical Economy Report • 418 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Neoliberalism United Nations
  1. Honduras' President denounces colonialism, neoliberalism, coups, and corporate exploitation at the UN, advocating for multipolarity and an end to economic dictatorship.
  2. The Honduran leader highlights the country's struggle against US-backed coups, violence, and the impact of odious debt, emphasizing the need to reject austerity policies.
  3. Xiomara Castro presents ambitious plans for transforming Honduras, focusing on tax evasion crackdown, education reform, food sovereignty, and de-privatization of public services.