Colonialism and Its Impacts on Modern Global Relations

Abstract

The bequests of European colonialism have continued to shape interactions between the developed and developing states in modern global politics. These impacts are inherent in economic inequalities, cultural imperialism, peace and conflict, and global governance. There is unequal global economic order, economic liberalism which favours the developed states and renders the developing states perpetually poor, they remain producers of raw materials for the manufacturing Global North. This study examines the impacts of European colonialism on today’s global relations, with a focus on the nature of economic, social, cultural, and political relations between the developed and developing states in the post-colonial era.  Using a qualitative research approach, this study also examines various mechanisms deployed by the Global North in their continuing exploitation of the Global South in the post-liberation period. The study reveals how the legacies of European colonialism created hierarchy in global governance, with the Global North dominating the United Nations Security Council, the most powerful organ of the United Nations Organization (UNO) and its agencies among which is the International Monetary Fund (IMF), dictating global economy in favour of the Global North.  This study also reveals the level of cultural imposition, a system in which African value systems, customs and traditions were eroded and seen as inferior to the European value and cultural systems. For better understanding of the impacts of colonialism on modern global relations, it is imperative to consider economic dependencies and structural inequalities, neo-colonialism and global governance, and artificial borders and ethnic conflicts. This study contributes to the understanding of the nature of economic, social, cultural and political interactions between the developed and developing states in modern global politics.