Postcolonialism

[TruthSeeker]

Colonial powers left behind several groups of human beings that had special privileges. These groups include settlers from the colonial power's homeland or other colonies, native elites, other nationals who performed financial and technical roles with the approval or allowance of the colonial power, non-governmental institutions such as churches and schools, and other entities. When the colonizer left as the legal authority it left these groups and their institutions in place. Human nature being what it is, these groups continued then, and now, to try to maintain their privileges. It is in the colonizer's interest to help these left-behind elites maintain power in a symbiotic relationship of mutual benefit and self-dealing. It seems that a post-colonial "revolution" is needed which largely upends the colonial privileged elites before true postcolonial independence can be achieved. For the USA our 1776-1783 revolutionary war with our colonizer, Great Britain, followed by our War of 1812 with Great Britain to further sever commercial ties, achieved the necessary independence for the USA to become truly post colonial.

 

[FairAndUnbiased]

Malaysia? Singapore? Brazil?

(Heck, even USA, or portions thereof, were a British colony, plus other colonial powers.)

Brazil didn't pull it off. Malaysia is an oil state.

Only China, South Korea and Singapore really pulled themselves from poverty post WW2, and Singapore benefitted from location.

China and South Korea weren't western colonies either. To my knowledge no non-oil exporter that was a western colony has escaped poverty. Not one.

 

[VCheng]

Brazil didn't pull it off.

Per Capita Income:

Brazil: $15,000

China: $16,500

 

[FairAndUnbiased]

Per Capita Income:

Brazil: $15,000

China: $16,500

That's a 10% difference plus Brazil is an oil exporter. China would have to stand still for 5 years for Brazil to make up the difference in Brazilian growth rates and it can't because China is still growing faster.

Also from this list Brazil has just a bit more than half the GDP per capita of China:

List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[vostok]

Colonial powers left behind several groups of human beings that had special privileges. These groups include settlers from the colonial power's homeland or other colonies, native elites, other nationals who performed financial and technical roles with the approval or allowance of the colonial power, non-governmental institutions such as churches and schools, and other entities. When the colonizer left as the legal authority it left these groups and their institutions in place. Human nature being what it is, these groups continued then, and now, to try to maintain their privileges. It is in the colonizer's interest to help these left-behind elites maintain power in a symbiotic relationship of mutual benefit and self-dealing. It seems that a post-colonial "revolution" is needed which largely upends the colonial privileged elites before true postcolonial independence can be achieved. For the USA our 1776-1783 revolutionary war with our colonizer, Great Britain, followed by our War of 1812 with Great Britain to further sever commercial ties, achieved the necessary independence for the USA to become truly post colonial.

I do not think Anglo-Saxonian populations of 18 ct. America could call Britain "colonizer". It was more like the Old Country or the Land of Fathers. Only local Indian tribes could. America got independence before dominions appeared but if it did not it would surely got status of dominion like Canada or Australia. Nothing common with classic poor colonies of Africa or Asia.
I'm not trying to belittle the bravery of the Americans during American Revolution and its importance. It was big step for the whole humanity.

 

[_NOBODY_]

But at least one could make the case that other postcolonial nations are equally free to emulate the successes mentioned above. If they choose to do so, that is.

In theory that is possible but extremely hard to execute. Some countries have more advantages than others in trying to achieve economic success but for some it is impossible like all the countries that are part of CFA Franc momentary system.

The best example of this is are the "former" French colonies in Africa, Françafrique is still a thing. Even though, these countries seem independent but in reality France has complete control over them.

Look at CFA Franc momentary system. The CFA franc is the name of two currencies, the West African CFA franc, used in eight West African countries, and the Central African CFA franc, used in six Central African countries. Both currencies are guaranteed by the French treasury. Although, this system gives these countries stable and robust currencies but it also legally obliged these countries to put 50% of their foreign currency reserves into the French treasury plus another 20% for financial liabilities. Their is currency printed under the supervision of the French National Bank. If these African states want to gain access to their own funds then they have to borrow it from the French at fixed commercial rates. This monetary system breeds corruption, capital flight and illegal activities. In such a climate, economic development is impossible. This not only greatly compromises the sovereignty of these African nations, it gives France complete control over these countries. Former French President, Jacques Chirac stated: "We have to be honest and acknowledge that a big part of the money in our banks comes precisely from the exploitation of the African continent". In 2008 he stated: "Without Africa, France would slide down into the rank of a third world power".

French multinational firms retain exclusive rights to purchase or reject any natural resources extracted from the soil of the former French colonies such as crude oil, natural gas, uranium, diamonds, gold, iron etc. West and Central Africa is rich in raw materials and French firms such as Areva and Total have first pick. These African nations can't sell their resources at international markets without the approval of France.

Look at the fate of those African leaders who tried to stop using these currencies. In 1963, President Sylvanus Olympio of Togo was assassinated three days after issuing a new currency. Other leaders including David Dacko, Thomas Sankara, Maurice Yaméogo, Hubert Maga and Modibo Keita had the same fate. France has militarily intervened at least 40 times across Africa since 1960s.

 

[Old School]

A socialist revolution was a possibile way out from colonial hangovers and feudal lords. That was why imperialist powers opposed socialism at all costs.

 

[Joe Shearer]

@_NOBODY_

I rather enjoyed this thread, and hope to keep up with it and its successor threads, as long as I can. Frankly, today, my concern is primarily survival; but these are bright moments that I enjoy.

Many thanks.

 

[_NOBODY_]

@_NOBODY_

I rather enjoyed this thread, and hope to keep up with it and its successor threads, as long as I can. Frankly, today, my concern is primarily survival; but these are bright moments that I enjoy.

Many thanks.

Are you ill? If yes then may God heal you. I had already forgotten about this thread. Right now I am posting mostly on international businesses, technology and, startups in Pakistan.

 

[Joe Shearer]

Are you ill? If yes then may God heal you. I had already forgotten about this thread. Right now I am posting mostly on international businesses, technology and, startups in Pakistan.

I am not well No point in dwelling on it.

What among your posts do you recommend should be read first?

 

[Iltutmish]

I am not well No point in dwelling on it.

Get well soon! Hope it’s nothing serious :-(.

 

[Joe Shearer]

Get well soon! Hope it’s nothing serious :-(.

Nothing to worry about...it's old age. I am 71 in August, and have certain health issues, not to mention that instrument of mass destruction that our greatest enemy has unleashed on us.

 

[_NOBODY_]

I am not well No point in dwelling on it.

What among your posts do you recommend should be read first?

How Singapore Uses Science to Stay Cool | Pakistan Defence
How Singapore fixed its big trash problem | Pakistan Defence
How I Built a $1 Billion Start-Up Called Misfits Market | Pakistan Defence

 

[Joe Shearer]

How Singapore Uses Science to Stay Cool | Pakistan Defence
How Singapore fixed its big trash problem | Pakistan Defence
How I Built a $1 Billion Start-Up Called Misfits Market | Pakistan Defence

Got it. Thanks. You write well.

 

[_NOBODY_]

Got it. Thanks. You write well.

Getting praised by a highly experienced and wise man is an honor for me.