How is imperialism relevant today?

Answer 1

Imperialism began the first time one nation in history took advantage of a weaker one. So although the term was used allot in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was just another word for aggression against a weaker foe. At times simply establishing a sphere of influence over a particular area in the world by a stronger nation may not require armed force, but by economic force or the threat of military force.

In certain situations of course, imperialism used to control a weaker nation might be necessary to protect the stronger nation's interests or the interests of an allied nation. So, not all imperialism in its truest form, can be said to be always wrong.

In the 21st century three huge examples of what can be called imperialism can be explained. Here is a summary of ones that come to mind:

* During the presidential term Of US President George Bush Sr. Iraq invaded a weaker bordering nation, Kuwait. By its purest definition, this can be called imperialism;

* After the US 9/11 crisis, The United States and its ally, the United Kingdom, conducted a war against a weaker nation, Iraq. Whether this war was "right or wrong", it was a clear example of powerful nations taking advantage of a clearly weaker one, Iraq; and

* Currently, the Russian Federation has invaded the part of Ukraine called the Crimean peninsula. Ukraine was weaker than the Russians forces, and by definition, Russia committed an imperialist action against a weaker nation.