The hottest Colonialism Substack posts right now

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Top History Topics

Washington finds his calling

A User's Guide to History • 255 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💾 History Colonialism
  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.

Occupied Melilla, Occupied Palestine

Kevin’s Newsletter • 373 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  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
  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.

Should People Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III?

Surviving Tomorrow • 314 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  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.
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Africa’s exception to every rule: Ethiopian genetics, sovereignty and religion

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 572 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
💾 History Colonialism
  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.

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
  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.

Starvation and Profiteering in Gaza (w/ Francesca Albanese) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 128 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  1. The situation in Gaza is extremely dire, with many people facing starvation and suffering due to a siege imposed by Israel. Francesca Albanese emphasizes that other nations must recognize their duty under international law to aid Palestine and break the siege.
  2. Albanese points out that there are powerful corporations benefiting from the ongoing occupation and humanitarian crisis in Palestine. She is preparing a report that will reveal how these companies profit from the suffering of the Palestinian people.
  3. The global community is beginning to unite in awareness and support for Palestine, particularly among countries in the Global South. There is a growing recognition of the historical injustices of colonialism and calls for accountability and action against those who profit from these injustices.

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

Geopolitical Economy Report • 418 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  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.

Cobalt, Copper and Colonialism

Climate In Colour • 117 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Colonialism
  1. The Democratic Republic of the Congo holds significant cobalt and copper reserves, important for energy transition and technology manufacturing.
  2. Companies from around the world, like China and Canada, are investing in these resources, but the region has a history of colonial exploitation.
  3. Climate In Colour's Deep Dives provide insightful reads on climate justice, science, and technology intersection.

Suis-je polygame parce que je suis Noir ?

L'Atelier Galita • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Colonialism
  1. Polygamy is a form of marriage where an individual is married to multiple people, often an man to several women.
  2. In France, polygamy is prohibited by law, as it is illegal to have multiple marriages.
  3. Words carry connotations, and it's important to be mindful of the implications of the words we use, especially in sensitive or potentially racist contexts.

The Shared Mythological History of Israel and the US (w/ Joan Scott) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 128 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Colonialism
  1. The histories of Israel and the US are deeply intertwined, often using shared myths to justify actions and policies, especially in relation to the Palestinians. This connection shapes how both nations view themselves as exceptional.
  2. The Holocaust plays a significant role in Israeli identity and the justification of its policies, creating a narrative that frames criticism as dangerous, echoing fears of historical victimization.
  3. Popular culture, like books and movies, has a powerful influence on shaping public perception of Israel and the Palestinians, often leading to biased narratives that ignore or simplify the complexities of the conflict.

"Shooting an Elephant"

History's Parrot • 98 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💾 History Colonialism
  1. George Orwell's quote about the destructive nature of white tyranny is still relevant today
  2. Orwell's experience in Burma influenced his decision to become a writer
  3. Orwell's story shows the internal conflict of upholding imperialist roles

Pakistan’s Imran Khan compares his ouster to CIA coup in Iran, criticizes Western colonialism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 219 implied HN points • 02 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  1. Imran Khan compared his ouster to a CIA coup in Iran, highlighting similarities in patterns of removal of governments.
  2. Khan emphasized the importance of sovereignty for countries, criticizing reliance on aid, foreign loans, and organizations like the IMF.
  3. He criticized Western colonialism, pointing out how it led to ruling elites in developing countries placing themselves above the law and engaging in corruption.

In the Foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau - Nikolai Severtsov, 1873

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
💾 History Colonialism
  1. They live well on abundant land and cattle and keep clean. But they are often lazy, drunk, coarse, and morally loose, and they rationalize stealing and violence against non‑Christians.
  2. Their prosperity relied heavily on cheap labor and refugees as well as on taking supplies from local Kazakh/Kyrgyz people. Even after some reforms ended forced requisitions, they still exploited pastures, hay fields, and forests beyond their official rights.
  3. Their practices harmed the local environment and society: orchards were cut for firewood and forests overused, and many settlements had a surplus of men over women. In war they were bold when looting undefended villages but tended to avoid real resistance.

"Settlers"-style discourse will never benefit Palestinians

White Hot Harlots • 39 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  1. Identity politics often simplify issues into 'good' and 'bad' based on markers, hindering a holistic understanding of history and social dynamics
  2. The 'Settlers' discourse polarizes people into morally 'good' and 'bad' categories based on historical identities, restricting nuanced perspectives
  3. Reacting to racial disparities by promoting extreme identity-based hierarchies can oversimplify complex historical conflicts and hinder progress towards a more equitable society

Stories are bad for your intelligence

The Ruffian • 639 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
💾 History Colonialism
  1. Stories can impact how we understand reality, filtering out information and emphasizing certain aspects.
  2. Historical narratives can sometimes be based on sensational stories rather than solid evidence.
  3. It is important to be skeptical of stories and narratives, especially in academic and scientific contexts.

The United States should silently cheer over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a Chinese invasion of Taiwan

Bruce Fein's Pioneering Lyceum • 117 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  1. Silently cheering over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could make the United States safer.
  2. History shows that colonial conquests often lead to economic burdens and revolts, making them not worth the effort.
  3. Powerful countries like the United States should be cautious about seeking colonial conquests, as they may not bring the intended benefits.

Shaka Zulu: The Last of the God-Kings

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 566 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
💾 History 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.

The Philosopher's Tarot: Revolutionaries and Docile Bodies

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 24 May 24
📖 Philosophy Colonialism
  1. Violence can arise from large cultural gaps between colonized and colonizer cultures, making rational discourse challenging.
  2. History shows how oppressive ideologies can target marginalized groups like Jews from both colonialist and anti-colonialist perspectives.
  3. Advocating for pluralism and tolerance can serve as a bridge to facilitate understanding and positive change amidst oppressive dynamics.

The Reeds and the Silt

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  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.

Mongols of North America

Wood From Eden • 528 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
💾 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.

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 Colonialism
  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.

NOTES: Reckoning with Post-Columbus Empires

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💾 History Colonialism
  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.

Rosalie Yu: Candy-Glazed Eyes of Haunted Machines

Do Not Research • 79 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Colonialism
  1. The project 'Candy-Glazed Eyes of Haunted Machines' explores the aesthetics and histories of coin-operated children's rides in Taiwan, revealing traces of colonial aesthetics and post-colonial narratives.
  2. The artist delves into the emotional and aesthetic impact of these rides through creating digital and sculptural pieces, tapping into feelings of nostalgia and unveiling the haunted essence of the rides.
  3. There is a curious exploration of parallels between the traditional entertainment vending machine market and emerging technologies like NFTs and the metaverse, raising questions about ownership and manipulation of concepts.

On Trade with Central Asia - Nikolai Petrovsky, 1872

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
💾 History Colonialism
  1. Russia’s move into Central Asia was driven by two goals: political advantage against rival powers and opening new markets, so holding the region’s power center was seen as essential.
  2. Bukhara sits at a strategic crossroads between Afghanistan, Persia, Russia and other routes, making it a major exchange hub that any power can access, so control there determines regional influence.
  3. Russian goods flood the Bukharan market via local middlemen and are often sold so cheaply they undercut native cotton and hurt long-term trade interests, creating pressure to assert direct control—potentially by force—to secure those markets.

Congo's Curse

Comment is Freed • 80 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  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.

The Zohran Moment

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 30 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Colonialism
  1. The concept of modern nation-states is built on exclusion and violence, not inclusion. This means that political identities have often been manipulated to create divisions among people.
  2. Colonialism has shaped identity in many societies, leading to deep resentments and conflicts. Examples like the Rwandan genocide show how false ethnic divisions can lead to horrific violence.
  3. The rise of extreme political views today mirrors past colonial and nationalist tendencies. Understanding this history is crucial if we want to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Colonialism
  1. AI technology is evolving quickly, but it comes with biases based on who programs it. This can lead to different chatbots representing very different viewpoints.
  2. Russia's actions in Ukraine are rooted in a complex history of imperialism that challenges the modern idea of the nation-state. It's seen as a form of colonialism, impacting cultural identity and governance.
  3. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked debates about freedom and government control. There's a call to revisit decisions made during that time to ensure better approaches in the future.

Communist Revolutionary Ho Chi Minh Loved The Declaration of Independence

JoeWrote • 27 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
💾 History Colonialism
  1. Ho Chi Minh quoted the American Declaration of Independence when he announced Vietnam's independence. This showed his admiration for American ideals.
  2. Despite later becoming America's enemy, Ho Chi Minh connected his fight for Vietnam's freedom to the principles of equality and rights found in the Declaration.
  3. Ho Chi Minh's use of American language in his declaration wasn't just a jab at the U.S., but a genuine reflection of his belief in those democratic values.

Irkeshtam - Ilya Levitov, 1908

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
💾 History Colonialism
  1. Irkeshtam is an important customs post on the Russian-Chinese border, controlling major trade routes. This place connects Russian Central Asia to Chinese Central Asia.
  2. Traveling to Irkeshtam can be dangerous due to challenging mountain paths and risks like rockslides. Despite this, travelers are welcomed and cared for by the Cossacks stationed there.
  3. The area has limited resources, mainly meat and some crops, creating high prices for goods. Proper care for animals and better support for traders would improve conditions and boost trade.

"Self Defense" is a Common Excuse for Genocide.

JoeWrote • 66 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Cuba at UN: Biden continues Trump's criminal attacks and unconventional warfare

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 23 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics Colonialism
  1. Cuban President Díaz-Canel condemned US imperialism and highlighted the detrimental effects of US interventions worldwide.
  2. Cuba called for reparations for slavery and independence for Puerto Rico, urging an end to unjust US policies towards these issues.
  3. Díaz-Canel expressed solidarity with various countries and addressed critical global affairs, condemning foreign interference and unjust sanctions imposed by powerful nations.

The Aliens You Are Waiting For Are The Earth Itself And Sun In The Sky.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
💾 History Colonialism
  1. Many believe aliens have visited Earth, but some argue that we should look at our planet and sun as the true wonders. Instead of seeking external beings, let's appreciate what we already have.
  2. There's a perspective that ancient civilizations like the Egyptians are often misrepresented, particularly regarding the construction of structures like the pyramids. It's important to recognize their achievements without attributing them to mythical aliens.
  3. Historical narratives can be manipulated by those in power, and it's crucial to question the stories we accept. The rewriting of history often serves to control how we understand our past and present.

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 Colonialism
  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.