The Interconnectedness of Colonialism, Capitalism, and Genocide
"Israel was created by Western imperialism and is maintained by Western firepower." Huey p. newton
Colonialism, the practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies, involved exploiting Indigenous resources and labor. European powers, during the Age of Exploration and subsequent colonial eras, established colonies in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and other regions. These colonies provided vast resources, including minerals, agricultural products, and cheap labor, which were essential for the development of capitalism.
Capitalism, the economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit, thrived on the wealth extracted from colonies. The capitalist system encouraged the accumulation of capital and the expansion of markets, and colonial territories played a pivotal role in this process.
As Fred Hampton once said, "You can't have capitalism without racism."
Genocide became an instrument of colonialism and capitalism. European powers frequently used military force to conquer and maintain their colonies. Conflicts arose as different powers sought to expand their colonial empires, leading to slavery, the Opium Wars, the Scramble for Africa, and the colonial genocides in the Americas.
Wars were not only about territorial expansion but also about securing access to valuable resources and trade routes as well as the eradication of Indigenous knowledge.
Capitalism thrived during these periods, as industries producing weapons and military supplies see significant growth. Additionally, genocide justified maintaining colonies as "strategic assets."
Racism, as a byproduct of capitalism, is intertwined with the economic system. The pursuit of profit led to the exploitation of racial and ethnic minorities.
Discrimination, dehumanization, and unequal treatment were used to justify lower wages and harsh working conditions, maintaining a racial hierarchy that persists today.
To eradicate colonialism, it is necessary to abolish capitalism. The economic system that fueled the colonial enterprise is perpetuating economic disparities and maintaining neocolonial relationships.
Embracing socialist economic models prioritizing economic justice, equal access to resources, and self-determination for formerly colonized regions is essential in this endeavor.
Unfortunately, Indigenous communities have faced historical and ongoing oppression and marginalization, which has had a significant impact on their way of life and access to resources. Colonialism, forced assimilation, and discriminatory policies have disrupted their traditional practices, leading to the loss of land, culture, language, and identity.
Respecting and valuing Indigenous knowledge and systems is essential not only for the well-being and dignity of Indigenous peoples but also for the broader benefit of humanity.
Indigenous knowledge can offer valuable insights into sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and other pressing global challenges.
Huey P. Newton's theory of intercommunalism is based on the idea that, in the global context, North America represents an imperial core, one of the last frontiers of decolonization.
He argues that the struggles for justice and liberation are interconnected globally. Newton highlights the oppression faced by Indigenous peoples and emphasizes that by addressing their plight and working for their liberation, we take a crucial step towards a more just and equitable world for all.
The theory is rooted in the interconnectedness of these struggles, suggesting that the liberation of the most oppressed, whether in North America or places like Palestine, contributes to the broader fight for freedom and equality on a global scale.
The bottom line is that by helping the most oppressed, we're working to make the world better for everyone.
The struggles of these communities are interconnected, and their freedom is part of the bigger picture of global liberation and equality.