Colonialism

Why colonialism? Past and present

Colonialism is a doctrine and a practice that legitimizes the political and economic dominance of a territory by foreign forces. Although colonialism is often seen as a chapter of the past to be read in history books, numerous colonial practices are still active today. Some of these include the imperialist expansion of military presence outside of one nation’s borders, the meddling with other nation’s policies through financial interference, and the economic exploitation of vulnerable populations. It is evident that colonialism affects the countries and peoples from the global South more severely, but it is in fact a structural problem with negative consequences for every individual from any part of the world. Furthermore, the colonial mindset is deeply rooted within the cultural consciousness of our global society, closely linked to embedded racism and discrimination.

Our joint action

The thematic table on Colonialism of the WHF seeks to advance our common understanding of those internal roots of the problem, while simultaneously documenting the legacy of the past and impact of the present expressions of colonialism. In the short-term, the table is producing studies and dissemination materials to better understand the topic and gather support for a movement of change. In the medium-term, we will become a front of action that pressures those global powers that seek to keep colonialist practices in place. In the long-term, we dream of a world where nations achieve real independence, moving on from a history in which peoples try to control each other’s destiny.

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