In global nations’ long history of imperialism, wealth was dispersed from what is known today as “developing” or “third-world” countries. In current times, these countries are facing a huge financial burden due to either international conflicts or the pandemic, making it essential for developed countries to provide aid to countries whose wealth they are partially responsible for dispersing.
In developing countries, over 40% of the global population survives on less than $5.50 a day. Since the times of imperialism, global southern nations have been left impoverished. The 1992 Rio Declaration was created as a policy that developing countries have a right to development and nations have a responsibility to address this along with climate change. However, under the Bush administration, this idea was rejected- displaying how there will be some resistance against providing international aid due to reasons such as economic struggles within the country itself. (“Why Wealthy Countries Must Step Up Their Contribution to Fight Global Poverty”)
Diving deeper into countries with low per capita income- an instance of this occurring due to much wealth being siphoned by an imperial power in India. In 2018, economic historian Utska Patnaik published a paper stating that Britain stole 45 trillion dollars from India throughout civilization. In 1765, the monopoly East India Company was established. It was responsible for collecting heavy taxes in India and then redirecting that same money into purchasing Indian products (almost making Indians pay for their goods to be sold). Additionally, due to their monopoly, Indians could not export their goods directly to other countries- so the East India Company would profit off of that as well (and these profits were still being directed to Britain even after this monopoly broke down in 1858). (Alam et al.) Additionally, during colonial rule, there was no increase in per capita income in India. Despite this, India has emerged as the world’s 6th largest economy while still being a developing country (but it is still considered to be a lower middle-income country). (“When Will India Achieve Developed Country Status”) According to the World Bank, Britain has the fifth largest economy in the world. Although there may be economic struggles within Britain itself, countries that used to be former imperial powers such as Britain do now have a responsibility to provide aid for other countries.
Another instance in which the economic development of a nation was destroyed by imperial powers includes many countries in Africa. The history of these countries is erased as many of them now have the sole reputation of being war-torn countries or countries facing famine. Dating back to 1068-the 1300s, Timbuktu located in the Mali Empire was known as an academic hub with rich manuscripts, documents, and books. Additionally, the Mali Empire was home to 12 tons of pure gold, silver, textiles, and food. In 1893, the French destroyed their infrastructure, taking down buildings, and documents, and colonizing these people. In 1483, the Kongo was home to advanced farming, metalwork, weaving, and textiles, and they even established their legal system. However, the Portuguese destroyed this empire as well. (Lotz)
There have been some efforts to mitigate these global problems, such as the IDA (world bank group) created in 1960 to provide soft loans to countries that otherwise can’t afford them. 400 billion dollars have been provided to 100 countries (such as Yemen and Syria - in which 6.2 million people including 2.5 million children have been displaced). Countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have contributed to these funds. (“Why Wealthy Countries Must Step Up Their Contribution to Fight Global Poverty”)
With a history of conquering the world also comes impoverished people as a result of displacing wealth and people from their home countries. This makes it essential to provide aid internationally.
Works Cited
Alam, Shahid, et al. “U.S. Imperialism and the Third World.” Monthly Review, 1 February 2007, https://monthlyreview.org/2007/02/01/u-s-imperialism-and-the-third-world/. Accessed 4 February 2023.
Greiner, Patrick Trent. “How colonialism's legacy makes it harder for countries to escape poverty and fossil fuels today.” The Conversation, 28 June 2021, https://theconversation.com/how-colonialisms-legacy-makes-it-harder-for-countries-to-escape-poverty-and-fossil-fuels-today-159807. Accessed 4 February 2023.
“How Much Did British Colonization Cost India?” The Juggernaut, 4 August 2022, https://www.thejuggernaut.com/british-raj-colonization-india-gdp-south-asian-economy. Accessed 4 February 2023.
Lotz, Chelsea. “Africa's rich history erased.” IOL, 9 December 2015, https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/africas-rich-history-erased-1958045. Accessed 4 February 2023.
“When Will India Achieve Developed Country Status.” India.com, 9 October 2022, https://www.india.com/business/when-will-india-achieve-developed-country-status-5676137/. Accessed 4 February 2023.
“Why Wealthy Countries Must Step Up Their Contribution to Fight Global Poverty.” World Bank, 5 December 2019, https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/opinion/2019/12/05/why-wealthy-countries-must-step-up-their-contribution-to-fight-global-poverty. Accessed 4 February 2023.
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