CultureAugust 31, 2026

neocolonialism

NEE-oh-kuh-LOH-nee-uh-liz-um

Definition

A practice where powerful nations or corporations exert indirect control over formerly colonized nations through economic, political, and cultural influence rather than direct military or territorial occupation.

Etymology

Formed by combining the Greek prefix 'neo-' (meaning 'new') with 'colonialism' (the policy of acquiring control over another country). It gained prominence in the 1960s to describe the persistence of colonial-style power dynamics in a post-imperial world.

In the news

The article uses neocolonialism to explain how wealthy nations and corporations continue to dominate former colonies through indirect systems, such as corporate marketing or economic pressure, long after formal independence has been granted.

Applying A Decolonial Apologetic To Race, Culture, Tolerance

Read the full article ↗

Patheos

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