Imperialism as a Policy and an Ideology

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Introduction

Much has been said about imperialism especially over the 19^th and 20^th centuries by scholars from virtually all human sciences. However, the most intensive research on imperialism has been carried out by historians and experts in political studies. So what is Imperialism? Social Studies School Service (503) defines imperialism as “the policy by a stronger nation to attempt to create an empire by dominating weaker nations economically, politically, and culturally or militarily.” Note that it is a policy and more specifically a foreign policy through which a nation seeks to extend its powers beyond her territorial boundaries over weaker alien peoples. It is also worth noting that imperialism is synonymous with colonialism, with the only prime difference in that colonial powers physically settles over those they gain dominance, while imperial powers control from their specific nations, Social Studies School Service (503).

Economic, Political and Cultural Dimensions of Imperialism

Imperialism as an ideology of the period popularly known as the Age of Imperialism in European history had economic, political and cultural dimensions. In other words there were economic, political and social factors operating within the boundaries of the European countries that inevitably drove them outside their frontiers in the pursuit of new territories to conquer and dominate. Ninkovich (7) asserts that imperialism is a phenomenon with many sides and that these sides are a function of “the inequalities of size, power, wealth and national resources” found in the international system.

Economically, the 19^th century imperialism was inspired largely by the Industrial Revolution taking place in the European nations. Social Studies School Service (503) states that the emergence of new industrial economies in the1700s and 1800s brought up the need to obtain raw materials and thus formed the yearning to gain control over overseas markets among the European nations USA included. The above mentioned source further provides that “by 1900 Europe and the United States controlled more than 90 % of Africa, more than 50% of Asia, and nearly all of Polynesia”, Social Studies School Service (503).In short, the need for raw materials and new markets for the surplus manufactured goods as well as new places for investing surplus capital by Europe and USA was one of the major driving forces of imperialism.

From a political point of view, Hobson (4) argues that a genuine nationalism characterized by possession of a national history and collective pride by the European nations in the19th century marked the passage from traditional nationalism into colonialism on the one hand and imperialism on the other. This particular period was marked by a surge of nationalistic consciousness in the industrializing Europe that saw Europeans from all walks of life calling upon their governments to join the race for overseas possessions in manner that Europe had not experienced before. Politically, possession of over seas territories was a prestigious thing and no European nation wanted to be left behind. A country’s strength was measured on the basis of the number of overseas possessions she had.

Cultural imperialism according to Schiller as cited in Smandych and Hamm (3) is the sum total of the processes through which a society is integrated into the new world system and how the dominant social unit is attracted and pressured into shaping social institutions to be like and even promote the values and beliefs of the dominating centre of the global system. The westerners have been ambitious to spread their ideas, beliefs and values to other peoples of the world as a result of their belief that culture was superior and that they had a responsibility of civilizing others. Social Studies School Service (503) explains that both European nations and the United States took part in imperialist activities, believing in the superiority of the white race and that the whites had the responsibility to civilize non-whites.

Costs and Benefits of Imperialism within and without the Imperial powers

Imperialism as a process requires motives, interests and even opportunities. One may seek to understand the costs borne by the imperial power as well as benefits accrued by both the power and the people put under control. Chilcote (78) argues that though in many cases the imperial powers excluded their colonies from the benefits of advancing technological development; there are many cases in which imperialism brought technology with it. Meaning that in the long run, the imperial power and the conquered benefited from imperialism though not in the same magnitude. Chilcote further argues that in most cases the empire was always costly and it was never very profitable considered as a whole although particular territories were profitable at particular times.

A short Critique of H.A Hobson, V.I Lenin and B Anderson Interpretations of Imperialism

Hobson, Lenin and Anderson interpretations of imperialism has attracted criticism from many sides. In particular, Lenin’s dismissal of imperialism as the last stage of capitalism has been deemed as mistaken because even before the rise of capitalism as a mode of production, imperialism existed with the infamous Roman Empire cited by many critics as a perfect example. Arguably there Marxist interpretation of imperialism has made many scholars especially of the conservative stock cite a lot of radicalism in their understanding of imperialism.

Classical Imperialism vs. New Imperialism

Perceptions regarding particular ideologies are subject to change just like ideologies themselves. In the end, scholars end up classifying or categorizing ideologies as either classical or new/contemporary. While on the one had classical imperialism is understood as having been informed by cultures as well as economics, Marxist and classical liberal perspectives agree that the new imperialism “was rooted in the material needs of advanced capitalist societies for cheap raw materials, additional markets to consume growing production, and places for investment of new capital”, Kegley (2008).

How King Leopold’s Congo Reflected Elements of both Classical Imperialism &. New Imperialism

King Leopold’s activities in the Congo triggered off the need for a conference by the European nations on how they could share their new loot -Africa. King Leopold’s ability to convince the Germans, French and British that there was nothing sinister about his activities in the Congo and that it was a Free State in which all would trade has clear elements of new imperialism especially given the fact that Belgium ended up colonizing Congo without quarreling with anyone. While his hiring of the services of the wicked H.M Stanley coupled with the ambition to civilize the Africans in the region bring out elements of classical imperialism.

Conclusion

Imperialism as a policy and an ideology is a broad and interesting subject as shown above. The question on whether it have got any benefits for both the imperials and its victims as well as costs borne by both should be answered truthfully for purposes of beneficial international relations for all. The question on whether it has ended or it has just changed its face also requires an answer.

Works Cited

Chilcote, Richard H (2001).The Political Economy of Imperialism: Critical Appraisals.Lanham: Rowman&Littlefield.Print.

Kegley, Charles W. (2008).World Politics: Trend and Transformation. Florence: engage Learning. Print.

Ninkovich, Frank A. (2001).The United States and Imperialism. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell. Print.

Smandych, Charles Russell and Hamm, Bernd (2005).Cultural Imperialism: Essays on the Political Economy of Cultural Domination. Toronto: Univ of Toronto Press. Print.

Social Studies School Service (2007). Imperialism. Charlotte: Social Studies. Print.

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