Map and flags of the countries and territories that were formerly ruled or administered by the United Kingdom or part of the British Empire (including military occupations that did not retain the pre-war central government), with their independence days.
As the United States celebrates its Independence Day on July 4th, it's important to recognize that it was just one of many countries that claimed independence from the United Kingdom. In total, an astonishing 65 countries have asserted their independence from the UK. This momentous occasion allows us to reflect on centuries of colonization and the profound impact it has had on the world.
The process of decolonization, marked by countries claiming their independence from former colonial powers, began in earnest after World War II. This period saw a significant transformation as former colonies gained their sovereignty. The struggle for independence was often accompanied by social movements, significant political change, and, in many cases, armed conflict.
Looking back, the decolonization movement unraveling the grip of colonial powers paved the way for nations to assert their own identities on the world stage. Countries like Indonesia declared independence from the Dutch and initiated the Third World Movement which aimed to promote economic development, political independence, and cultural identity while advocating for global peace and cooperation among newly decolonized countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The member countries emphasized the principles of self-determination, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The Third World movement was instrumental in providing a platform for developing countries to address common challenges, advocate for their interests on the international stage, and assert their agency amidst the power struggles of the Cold War. This happened in the 1950s - not that long ago.
The world would look very different today if it were not for corporations using US federal agencies to enact their mass-murder programs that led to many countries of the Third World movement becoming shells of their former selves. In the Congo crony western capitalism was hoarding the resource-rich Katanga province and Patrice Lumumba resolved to use Congo’s natural resources for the benefit of the people of Congo. He was immediately perceived as a threat to Western interests. These concerns led to covert actions to destabilize his government, ultimately resulting in his arrest and subsequent execution in 1961. Lumumba's ideals of sovereignty, self-determination, and unity continue to inspire movements for liberation and justice across the globe but still the Democratic Republic of Congo is not free. The silent genocide rages on as western companies pay mercenary groups in Rwanda to exploit child labor and utilize sexual violence to mine Coltan and Cobalt.
Modernization theory provided the pervasive logic of the mass murder programs of the 1960s which ended much of the unity that was established during this period and many countries fell victim to the installation of puppet regimes or brutal dictators, perpetuating a cycle of oppression and exploitation. The fear of communism coupled with the greed of primarily American interests left seemingly no newly independent nation unharmed. Fidel Castro experienced so many attempt on his life he eventually lost count. The US brought lessons from Indonesia's mass murder programs to Latin America in 1966. From death squads in Venezuela to state terror driven disappearances in Guatemala - it was the first time ever recorded in the region and it has only spread. Disappearances in Latin America are now common occurrences. The imperialist mindset obviously did not die when countries declared independence. The neocolonial onslaught serves as a stark reminder that the legacies of imperialism continued to inflict profound suffering and injustice on the people of the Third World, emphasizing the enduring struggle for true independence and sovereignty.
If we are to truly learn from our past, we must grasp the lessons that colonization and decolonization offer. This includes understanding the causes and effects of colonialism, acknowledging historical injustices, and seeking to address the lasting impacts of these processes. There are many ways individuals can act upon this knowledge but education is the forefront of this journey. Protesting the colonial state looks different for everyone but boycotting companies that are still profiting off of this barbaric exploitation is another great way to stop these alarming occurrences. By doing so, we can work towards building a future where the mistakes of the past are not repeated and where international relations are founded on principles of mutual respect, equality, and solidarity while also celebrating diversity, inclusion and community.
In envisioning the future, it is essential to consider the lessons from our colonial past. By recognizing the damaging effects of imperialism and the resilience of nations in reclaiming their independence, we can strive to foster a world characterized by cooperation, diversity, and inclusivity, while respecting the sovereignty and self-determination of all nations. Through this lens, we can move forward with a collective effort to create a more equitable and harmonious global community.
https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/global-social-challenges/2021/05/04/the-impact-of-the-past-how-british-colonialism-affects-the-modern-world/
https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/L/bo11643711.html