To re-colonize means to establish or re-establish political control over a territory or people, often implying a return to colonial practices. This involves asserting dominance, exploiting resources, and imposing a governing system, potentially after a period of independence or local rule. The process often entails a significant power imbalance, where the re-colonizing entity exerts control over the social, economic, and political structures of the re-colonized region, sometimes accompanied by cultural and social shifts forced upon the natives. Historically, this has resulted in widespread oppression, resource extraction, and displacement of indigenous populations. This concept can also be applied to a broader context, describing the re-imposition of control in a metaphorical sense like in the digital landscape.
Re-colonized meaning with examples
- Following decades of independence, the nation faced economic collapse, prompting international powers to covertly intervene, gradually re-colonizing the country by controlling its key industries and financial institutions. This new form of colonialism, devoid of overt military presence, exerted a significant degree of influence over government policies and decisions.
- After the protracted civil war, powerful corporations, backed by foreign governments, moved to re-colonize the resource-rich region, buying up land and controlling the mining and logging industries. This created a surge in economic growth that benefitted the companies at the expense of the local community.
- The tech giant, facing stagnation, began to re-colonize the data privacy landscape. The new regulations allowed for greater control of information and allowed for the company to build upon its already expansive wealth and influence.
- The environmental catastrophe left the island nation vulnerable, allowing a neighboring country to step in and re-colonize the area. This action left the native islanders with little voice and agency over their own territory and livelihoods as control of their natural resources fell under foreign hands.