We Political analysts have continued to observe events happening round the world, a pattern has been spotted. It is a case of Powerful countries trying to exert influence over less developed ones. Modern colonialism is complex and multifaceted, it is rooted in historical colonial practices but manifesting in new forms through economic and cultural dominance.
Who are these Modern Colonialists and what makes them invested in this act?
In lay man terms, Modern Colonialists deserved to be called bullies. They take advantage of the incapacities and inadequacy of under developed countries , to achieve their selfish agenda. In Modern Colonialism various tools are utilized to create an open door or climate to usher them in. We will point out the modern colonialists using past events and unfolding scenarios as well as the ulterior motives behind their power play.
Reasons for modern Colonialism
Political Influence: Most analysts believe international organizations (e.g, IMF, World Bank) are used to impose conditions that favour the interest of powerful nations. Economic Exploitation, Cultural and Religious Domination, Military Presence.
Case Studies
Iran exerts its influence in several nations, through political, military and economic means. Iran aims to establish itself as the dominant power in the Middle East, Countering the influence of rival powers such as Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Influence in these countries allows Iran to secure vital resources, including energy supplies and trade routes, which are crucial for its economy.
Iran aims to create a network of loyal allies that can provide military and political support, enhancing its security and influence.
Iran and Iraq: Iran has strong ties with various factions and militias, particularly those aligned with shia islam.
Iran and Syria: Iran supported the Assad regime, providing military and financial assistance and has established a military presence in the country.
Iran and Lebanon: Iran backs Hezbollah, a powerful political and military group that plays a significant role in Lebanese politics.
Iran supports the Houthi movement: Houthini Movement has been in conflict with Yemeni government and its allies, Saudi Arabia is uncomfortable, with this move, it made them almost feeling besieged, Iran has influenced all their neighbors they could be invaded or over powered by IRAN.
Iran and Bahrain: There are allegations of Iranian influence in Bahrain particularly regarding its shia population.
Iran and Afghanistan: Iran has relationships with various factions, including support for the Taliban in some contexts.
Palestine and Isreal: The ongoing isreali occupation and settlement expansion in Palestinian territories are frequently cited as example of modern colonialism, but then Israel feels Palestinians are Iranian puppets.
USA and Puerto Rico: As a territory of the united states, Puerto rico experiences limitations on governance and economic autonomy often leading to discussions of colonial status.
China and Taiwan, France and Francophone Countries.
Russia and Ukraine: Russia’s ambitions regarding Ukraine are driven by a complex mix of strategic, economic, cultural, and security interests. Russia views Ukraine as a critical buffer between itself and NATO. By exerting influence over Ukraine, it aims to prevent NATO’s eastward expansion.
a. Regional Dominance: To Russia, control over Ukraine is seen as essential to maintain its status as a major power in Eastern Europe.
b. Shared Heritage: Russia often emphasizes the historical and cultural connections with Ukraine, Russia views Ukraine as part of its historical sphere.
c. Economic Interests: Ukraine is rich in natural resources and agricultural land. Control over these can enhance russia’s economy
d. Energy Transit: Ukraine is a key transit route for Russian gas to Europe, and influence over Ukraine allows Russia to manage energy flows.
e. Military Presence: Russia seeks to ensure that Ukraine does not join Western military alliances, which it perceives as a direct threat. The prospect of Ukraine joining NATO is a significant concern for Russia, driving
f. Internal Politics : Distraction from Domestic Issues: Conflict abroad helps Russia leaders to distract from internal problems such as economic challenges.
g. Support for Separatists: Backing separatist movements in Eastern Ukraine aligns with efforts to destabilize Ukraine and potentially gain control over additional territories.
What makes a country vulnerable for the modern colonialist?
Economic Dependence: Many under developed nations remain economically dependent on these world super powers for trade, technology and investment.
Debt Diplomacy: The modern colonialists utilizes debt as means of control, indebted countries are coerced into unfavourable agreements.
Vast Mineral Resources: A country with vast mineral resources will continue to be an attraction for the modern colonialists.
Constant Migration: Economic disparities lead to migration from less developed countries to more developed countries, this often creates cycle of dependency and control. Nigerian leaders have constantly experienced this, the latest being US VISA denial to the literal icon Wole soyinka.
Has Nigeria Caught the attention of Modern Colonialists? Over the decades Nigeria has refuse to rise above the status of colonial tool. It has been a decade of looting, mass corruption, ethnic unrest, which constantly affects economic performance and growth prospects.
it is always a new leader, a new economic reform, the leaders choose to turn blind eye on what needs to be urgently addressed.
In these recent times most developed nations are plagued with rising inflation rates which is influenced by supply chain disruptions, energy prices and increased consumer demand. Nigeria seem to be ripe for a colonialist tool. With its vast natural resources and endowed minerals it has refuse to rise above mediocrity.
Nigeria is still a country servicing debts, about 50% of Nigeria’s population lives below poverty line. This translates to over 80 million people living in poverty making it one of the highest number of poor people. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) takes into account education, health and living standard. With this level of poverty it is absurd to think Nigeria has any military might to ward of modern colonialists such as IRAN, RUSSIA OR USA.
Poverty needs to be tackled as a matter of urgency; this affects other indices such as Unemployment.
Standard of living need to be lifted as well. With unemployment and poverty the youths are easy target for separatist group recruitment by Modern colonialists.
With the recent warning by President Trump of USA in sending troops to Nigeria over the killing of Christians, one is left to wonder if this is an avenue or pathway to usher Modern Colonialism.
Some individuals say, modern colonialism in Nigeria already came in through Boko Haram activities in the Northern Nigeria.
Boko Haram is believed to have ties with IRAN. The Motive of the BOKO HARAM group was Religious Domination.
Nigeria also made itself a tool for Modern Colonialism by IMF using Debt diplomacy.
If only Nigerians will rise up and fix a leader who will tap into the vast Mineral and Agricultural resources to lift them out of poverty line , A leader who will shun ethnic Bias and corruption to lift this country out of its disgraceful level. At least a level that will command respect and fear, from this Modern Colonialists.
Jacqueline C
Data/Political Analyst.
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