By Rana Danish Nisar
Colonialism refers to the historical practice of one nation or a coalition of nations establishing and maintaining political and economic dominance over another nation or nations.
Taking control of these regions and using them for one’s own gain is a common part of this strategy. Colonies were established all over the globe by European countries including Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, and others during the period of European colonialism, which lasted from the 15th to the 20th century. African, Asian, American, and Polynesian lands constituted the bulk of these communities.
Depending on the colonial authority, colonies were either ruled directly or indirectly through local allies. Minerals, spices, agricultural products, and human labor were just some of the things they took advantage of from the colonies. The colonized population saw profound changes in their social, economic, and cultural environments as a result of colonialism. It shattered preexisting social systems and ushered in novel religions, linguistic varieties, and cultural practices.
Those who were colonized frequently lost their land, had their cultures altered without their consent, and were subjected to other forms of exploitation and forced labor. The effects of colonialism are still being felt today. Many former colonies are still suffering from the aftereffects of colonialism, such as slow economic growth, political unrest, social inequality, and cultural upheaval. Colonialism is a critical topic of research due to its relevance in understanding the dynamics of global power, the evolution of postcolonial cultures, and the current debates over decolonization, reparations, and the return of cultural treasures.
When affluent countries or multinational corporations covertly dominate weaker ones, this is referred to as neocolonialism. After independence, former colonies are continually dominated and exploited. Neocolonialism can manifest itself economically, politically, or culturally. This indicates that major countries or multinational corporations control resources, markets, and trade, which is detrimental to the local economy. This can be caused by unfair commercial practices, labor abuse, and uncompensated resource exploitation. Local governments or puppet nations are used by neocolonialism to serve external powers politically. This can be accomplished through interfering in elections, backing dictatorships, or instituting foreign-interested economic policies. When powerful nations export their traditions and values to lesser nations, this is referred to as neocolonialism. Indigenous peoples face alien language, culture, and value encroachment. Neocolonialism encourages wealthy governments and corporations to exploit the resources and markets of impoverished nations, resulting in global injustice and exploitation. According to detractors, this keeps these countries dependent, poor, and backward. The term “neo-colonialism” is frequently employed in critical or political contexts, but it can be interpreted in a variety of ways.
If a more developed nation or multinational corporation uses digital technology and platforms to colonize and profit off of a less developed nation or region, they are engaging in digital colonialism. It’s like colonization, except in the Internet age. There are various facets of digital colonialism. According to the concept of “Control of digital infrastructure,” major digital infrastructure in less-developed areas is operated by developed countries or multinational corporations. Data centers, satellite networks, and subsea cables all fall under this category. This grants them influence over the digital landscape of those regions and the ability to alter the flow of digital information. People in underdeveloped regions also frequently struggle with or lack access to the internet.
As a result of digital colonialism, certain people may not have as much access to the internet as others have, as certain influential groups may control who has access. This has the potential to worsen inequalities and impede economic and social development. The same is true of the data collected by multinational corporations and internet giants about people all over the world. In the context of digital colonialism, this data might be acquired from less developed regions without the consent of or for the benefit of the local population. Ads can be more relevant, people can be monitored, and AI can be trained with the use of this information. This further exacerbates the existing power differential. Strong countries’ digital platforms and services have a tendency to dominate the global market, to the detriment of regional traditions and practices. It may be difficult for local content creators and businesses to compete with multinational platforms, which may result in a reduction of cultural diversity and an increase in cultural uniformity. Additionally, Knowledge Creation and Representation:
Because of the digital divide, certain people may find it more difficult to take part in the information production and dissemination processes. There may not be many opportunities for people in less-developed places to contribute to the creation of digital technologies, algorithms, and platforms. This might lead to a small number of institutions controlling the vast majority of the world’s knowledge and innovation.
When powerful nations or corporations exert disproportionate influence over weaker nations or corporations in the digital sphere, a form of colonialism known as “digital colonialism” emerges. Although digital colonialism is generally viewed negatively, it has had some positive consequences on global power relations. Poor countries can benefit from digital colonialism in terms of infrastructure and technology development. Broadband networks and data centers are examples of digital infrastructure that can improve people’s access to the internet and information when funded by powerful nations and corporations. This can boost economic growth, improve education, and inspire innovation in these countries.
In the future, digital colonialism can facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise from developed to developing nations. By collaborating and forming partnerships, developed nations can transfer their technological prowess, best practices, and research findings to less developed regions. By disseminating useful information, we can bring about a lowering of the digital gap and equip individuals and institutions to make effective use of digital resources. The influx of wealthy nations and corporations into developing nations can boost their economies. Digital colonialism can attract foreign direct investment (FDI), which is good for the economy since it creates new businesses and jobs. New markets and a more diversified economy can be fostered through the establishment of digital platforms, e-commerce ecosystems, and technology-based firms.
With the support of digital colonialism, businesses in underdeveloped countries can get easier access to global markets. Small firms can compete on a global scale by leveraging the digital infrastructure already established by multinational corporations. As a result, exports can be facilitated, national economies can become more competitive, and global economies can function more harmoniously. Training programmes, grants, and educational programmes may be provided by powerful countries and corporations that engage in digital colonialism in order to help locals develop their capabilities. Investing in people’s digital literacy might make them more marketable to potential employers or a springboard for new ventures. It can also aid in the development of a knowledge-based economy by providing individuals with the tools they need to find gainful employment.
While digital colonialism may have some positive aspects, we must also address the negative consequences and power imbalances that may arise from it. Finding a middle ground between the benefits and guaranteeing local autonomy, data sovereignty, and fair distribution of benefits is essential for a fair and inclusive digital ecosystem. Knowledge and cultural imperialism are also components of digital colonialism. Using tools like social media, search engines, and content distribution networks, influential groups may manipulate news cycles, influence public opinion, and affect behavior. They have the power to influence people’s attitudes, beliefs, and actions all around the world since they govern the internet. The global distribution of power is profoundly affected by digital colonialism. It heats up the competition to be technologically superior and to dominate digital resources.
Countries with sophisticated digital capabilities have a significant advantage when it comes to crafting global narratives, projecting soft power, and gaining influence on the international stage. Multinational firms wield considerable influence over the internet and are also engaged in this struggle for dominance. The rise of digital colonialism poses a serious danger to national sovereignty. Dominant players’ influence over digital infrastructure and platforms might impede the ability of other nations to freely exercise their sovereignty and make decisions. Because of the imposition of foreign norms and rules, the manipulation of data flows, and the use of monitoring, victims of digital colonialism report feeling less in control of their life. There needs to be global cooperation and rules to address the issues brought on by digital colonialism.
By banding together, we can ensure that everyone has access to digital resources, promote digital literacy and skill building in poor nations, and make digital governance more fair and equitable. To lessen their dependence on outside actors, countries should invest in domestic technologies and foster innovation. Through the use of digital technologies, the developed world may continue to exploit the poor by stealing their data and intellectual property. The colonizers gain economically from owning and managing these resources, which leads to a significant power imbalance. This results in dependence and poverty for the formerly conquered countries.
As a result of digital colonialism, the gap in influence between rich and poor countries widens even further. The most technologically sophisticated nations rule the digital world because they have the finest digital infrastructure, technological capabilities, and financing. This maintains an order in which some countries have more sway over global events and exacerbates existing power imbalances. As with physical colonization, the culture, values, and beliefs of the dominant group tend to spread through digital platforms and services. The loss of cultural diversity and individual expression is a consequence of this trend towards cultural uniformity. As a result, it becomes more challenging for less developed nations to tell their own stories and define themselves internationally. Strong groups can gather extensive information from people all around the world through digital colonization.
People’s privacy and civil rights are being violated because this data can be utilized to spy on them. Loss of privacy and control over one’s own data makes people vulnerable to manipulation and abuse when powerful governments or corporations amass and analyze such data. In addition to already existing gaps, digital colonialism widens the digital divide between advanced and developing nations. The internet, digital infrastructure, and technology are all areas in which less developed countries suffer an inherent disadvantage. This hinders their ability to join the global digital economy and flourish economically.
When people are denied the same opportunities, it stifles innovation, stunts their education, and makes them reliant on others. Those in positions of authority in governments or corporations can influence public opinion, interfere in the politics of other nations, and shape global storylines by manipulating the content they publish online. This undermines the self-sufficiency of developing nations and can spark political turmoil, social discontent, and a general distrust of democratic procedures.
The distribution of power is negatively impacted by digital colonialism in many ways. Concerns about surveillance, privacy invasion, uneven access, and political manipulation are amplified, and economic exploitation, power inequalities, and cultural hegemony are made worse. To address these issues, we must promote digital inclusion, assist individuals in becoming self-sufficient technologists, and guarantee that all people have access to information and communication technologies. We ultimately aim for a more equitable and unified global digital landscape.
Author: Rana Danish Nisar – The author holds high academic credentials in the field of international relations. He has deep expertise in security, defense and military studies.
(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights)