By Aqeel Ahmad Gichki
Western dominance has been a continuous nightmare for the rest of the world. West countries have been successful in shaping economics, global politics, and culture. Since the age of colonial empires and contemporary geopolitics, they have considered themselves to be the arbiters of global norms and values.
The global outlook is shaped by those who control the narratives, and the West has been successful in doing so. It has been justified by the delegitimization of non-Western religions, nations, and cultures and has had a lasting impact on the global order. This article delves into the historical roots of Western dominance, its theoretical upbringing, and its enduring presence in contemporary international relations.
The 15th century was the age of exploration, and it marked the onset of European imperialism and colonialism. The Western powers, in search of resources, embarked on a mission to explore, conquer, loot, and colonize vast territories across America, Africa, and Asia without thinking about the devastating consequences for the indigenous people. The indigenous people were subject to economic exploitation, cultural erasure, and social stratification.
In 1884–1885, in Africa, the Berlin Conference illustrated continents’ ruthless division and exploitation by European powers. The arbitrary borders drawn by the colonial masters disregarded ethnic and cultural divisions, leading to lasting conflicts and instability. In Asia, India was ruled by the British Raj, which disrupted traditional societies and economies, creating deep-seated socio-economic inequalities. Still, the impacts can be seen in the region’s economic, political, and social order. Moreover, according to Sashi Tharoor, “at the beginning of the 18th Century, India’s share of the world economy was 23 percent, as large as all of Europe put together. By the time the British departed India, it had dropped to less than 4 percent.”
One may ponder how such things happen and why the Western powers dominated the rest of the world. The answer can be found in the idea of cultural hegemony from Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci’s theory. Gramsci contended that the dominant class in any given place retains power not only through political and economic methods, but also by influencing societal cultural standards and beliefs. This cultural hegemony ensures the perpetuation of Western superiority and dominance by embedding Western ideals as universal standards.
Moreover, postcolonial theory, by scholars such as Frantz Fanon and Edward Said, further elucidates the enduring effects of colonialism on previously colonized societies. The pivotal work of “Orientalism” examines the historical way in which the West has depicted the East as a mysterious, lesser “other” to depict them as powerless and validate its control. Fanon’s book “The Wretched of the Earth” explores the impacts of colonialism on both psychological and societal levels. It brings attention to the internalized feelings of inferiority and the continuing battles for selfhood and independence in postcolonial countries.
Contemporary Analysis
In modern times, Western powers manifest their superiority through economic and political interventions in non-Western countries. For example, the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq by the US and its allies are prominent examples of how these Western powers assert their influence under the guise of promoting democracy and stability, but the truth never hides for long, and the world knows why they attacked these states and why they do not assert the to states like Israel. These actions aimed at promoting stability and democracy frequently lead to extended conflicts, instability, and humanitarian crises, further cementing the belief in Western superiority and paternalism, as these nations struggle to recover from the damage they endure.
International institutions, such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank, are also used to portray Western hegemony. These organizations are dominated by Western interests and impose economic policies and development models that work better for Western interests. The structural adjustment programs given by the IMF to developing states have frequently led to increased inequality, and poverty, further strengthening Western superiority.
Furthermore, a glaring example of the West’s dual policies and imperialist approach is evident in its treatment of the Palestinian issue versus the Ukrainian crisis. One might feel that Palestine is the “other” as described above and Ukraine is “them”.
The West’s approach to the Palestinian issue compared to the Ukrainian situation exemplifies its dual policies, highlighting a significant disparity in views on international law and human rights. Historically, Palestinians have fought for self-determination, enduring occupation, and systemic discrimination, yet Western nations, particularly the U.S., have overwhelmingly supported Israel, shielding it from international condemnation. This support often emphasizes Israel’s right to self-defense, downplaying the impact on Palestinians, leading to allegations of hypocrisy. Contrary to this, after Russia’s takeover of Crimea and the fighting in Eastern Ukraine, Western countries have backed Ukraine’s independence through military assistance, penalties on Russia, and diplomatic initiatives. This limited use of global standards highlights the West’s focus on strategic goals, indicating that its diplomacy is influenced by geopolitical factors rather than a strong dedication to human rights and international law.
The idea of Western dominance, rooted in years of colonialism and imperialism, still influences global dynamics. Western countries sustain global dominance through cultural hegemony and political-economic interventions. The different Western reactions to the Palestinian and Ukrainian situations highlight the parallel policies and selective application of international principles. Understanding the historical and contemporary background is critical for tackling the long-standing inequalities and injustices that remain today. By critically studying and confronting these power systems, we may work toward a more fair and inclusive global order.
Author: Aqeel Ahmad Gichki – Master’s degree in International Relations. He focuses on geopolitics and security studies.
(The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).