Colonization and Decolonization

by

Concept of Colonization

Colonization is a process by which a central system of power dominates the surrounding land and its components. The term is derived from the Latin word colere, which means “to inhabit”

The colonial age featured two types of empire. In a colonial empire, conquered territories were settled by the conquering nation; a trading empire, on the other hand, was concerned only with the establishment and protection of trade routes (via warships and fortified settlements). A trading empire thus involved little or no conquest of territory, though it did require skilful diplomacy with local rulers (to maintain trade flows and avoid attacks on trading settlements).

Colonial empires were mainly confined to the New World, while trading empires prevailed in the Old. The only major Early Modern territorial seizures in the Old World were conducted by Russia (as it expanded eastward) and Britain (which conquered Australia and New Zealand).

 

Concept of Decolonization

Decolonization refers to the undoing of colonialism, the establishment of governance or authority through the creation of settlements by another country or jurisdiction. The term generally refers to the achievement of independence by the various Western colonies and protectorates in Asia and [Africa]] following World War II. This conforms with an intellectual movement known as Post-Colonialism. A particularly active period of decolonization occurred between 1945 to 1960, beginning with the independence of Pakistan and the Republic of India from Great Britain in 1947 and the First Indochina War. Some national liberation movements were established before the war, but most did not achieve their aims until after it. Decolonization can be achieved by attaining independence, integrating with the administering power or another state, or establishing a “free association” status. The United Nations has stated that in the process of decolonization there is no alternative to the principle of self-determination. ecolonization was overseen by the United Nations, with UN membership as the prize each newly independent nation cherished as a sign of membership in the community of nations. The United Nations Trusteeship Council was suspended in 1994, after Palau, the last remaining United Nations trust territory, achieved independence. From 1945 and the end of the twentieth century, the number of sovereign nation-states mushroomed from 50 to 192 and few stopped to ask if this was the right direction for human political organization to be moving. Decolonization may involve peaceful negotiation, non-violent protest or violent revolt and armed struggle. Or, one faction pursues one strategy while another pursues the opposite. Some argue because of neocolonialism many former colonies are not truly free but remain dependent on the world’s leading nations. No one of principle wants to deny people their freedom, or perpetuate oppression, injustice and inequality. many celebrate decolonization in the name of freedom and realization of the basic human rights of self-determination, others question whether equality, justice, peace, the end of poverty, exploitation and the dependency of some on others can be achieved as long as nation-states promote and protect their own interests, interests that are not always at the expense of others’ but which often are. As freedom spreads around the world, as more people gain the liberty to determine their own futures, some people hope that a new world order might develop, with the nation state receding in significance. Instead, global institutions would consider the needs of the planet and of all its inhabitants.

Final Destination for Punjab PSC Notes and Tests, Exclusive coverage of PPSC Prelims and Mains Syllabus, Dedicated Staff and guidence for Punjab PSC PPSC  Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for PPSC  Prelims and PPSC  Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by PPSC  Notes are as follows:- For any doubt, Just leave us a Chat or Fill us a querry––