Neocolonialism

Neocolonialism is a term used by Marxist and other left-wing individuals and groups to describe the operations of capitalism at the international level in the era since the disappearance of the colonial empires created by the European powers in the 18th and 19th centuries. These critics allege that the capitalist powers, and particular the United States, still aim to control other countries by indirect means.

In lieu of direct military-political control, it is said, neocolonialist powers use indirect methods of monopolizing influence over other, less powerful, nations. These methods are said to include a combination of economic and cultural influences that result in de facto control over the targeted nation.

The theory of neocolonialism holds that states seek to control other states either directly, through economic policy and economic aid, or indirectly, through multinational corporations that invest in the key industries of targeted nations, and through international financial agencies like the International Monetary Fund, which, it is said, gain control over economic policy in exchange for the re-financing of old loans.

Although neocolonialist theory was developed by Marxists, the rhetoric of neocolonialism is also deployed by promoters of conspiracy theories on the extreme right.

A more sophisticated variant of neocolonialist theory suggests the existence of "cultural colonialism," the alleged desire of wealthy nations to control other nations' values and perceptions through cultural means, such as media, language, education and religion, presumably for economic reasons.