Unveiling Neocolonialism: America's Influence in Asia and Reactions of Asian Nations
Examining America's Interventionism, Economic Control in Asia, Israel's Settler Colonialism and the Regional Responses
America has exerted its neocolonial influence in Asia through its foreign policy of interventionism. They intervene in the internal affairs of other countries under the pretext of protecting them from terrorism, human rights violations, communism, etc. Under this policy, the United States has intervened in Central and South America, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, and the entire Middle East. These interventions have often resulted in political instability, human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and economic exploitation of the local resources and markets by American corporations and allies.
Edward Said, in his seminal work "Orientalism," elucidated how Western powers, including the United States, have perpetuated cultural and intellectual domination over Asian societies. He argued that this form of neocolonialism involves the construction of stereotypes and narratives that exoticize and dehumanize the East, reinforcing power structures and justifying Western intervention. Neocolonialism is a term that describes the control of less-developed countries by developed countries through indirect means, such as economic imperialism, globalization, cultural imperialism and conditional aid. It differs from the previous colonial methods of direct military control or indirect political control and often results in a relationship of dependence, subservience, or financial obligation towards the neocolonialist nation.
Israel's settler colonialism in Palestine is another example of neocolonialism supported by America and Europe. Israel is a close ally of the United States and receives billions of dollars in military and economic aid every year. Israel has been occupying Palestinian territories since 1967 and expanding its illegal settlements on Palestinian land, violating international law and human rights. The United States has consistently backed Israel’s actions and vetoed any resolutions that condemn or sanction Israel at the United Nations Security Council. The United States has also supported Israel’s wars against its Arab neighbours, such as Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Noam Chomsky, a prominent critic of American foreign policy, said that the American-Israeli alliance exemplifies a neocolonial relationship, with the United States serving as a patron and enabler of Israel's settler colonial policies.
America has also imposed its neocolonial agenda in Asia through its promotion of globalization and free trade agreements that favour its interests and those of its allies. The United States has been pushing for the liberalization of trade and investment barriers in Asia, especially through the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was a proposed trade agreement between 12 countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. The TPP is a way for the United States to dominate the Asian market and undermine the sovereignty and regulations of the participating countries.
Neocolonialism has had various negative effects on Asia, such as political violence, economic control, and social changes. Some examples are:
Political violence: Neocolonialism has fueled many conflicts and wars in Asia, such as the Korean War (1950-1953), the Vietnam War (1955-1975), the Gulf War (1991) the Afghan War (1999-2021), the Iraq War (2003-2011), and the Syrian Civil War (2011-present). These wars have caused millions of deaths, injuries, displacements, and refugees. They have also destabilized the region and created opportunities for extremist groups to emerge and thrive.
Economic control: Neocolonialism has enabled the United States and its allies to exploit the natural resources and markets of Asian countries, such as oil, gas, minerals, agriculture, textiles, electronics, and services. They have also imposed unfair trade terms and conditions that limit the development potential and policy space of Asian countries. They have also created a debt trap for many Asian countries that are forced to borrow money from international financial institutions that are controlled by the United States and its allies.
Social changes: Neocolonialism has influenced the culture and values of Asian societies through various means, such as media, education, entertainment, tourism, religion, and consumerism. They have also introduced new forms of discrimination and oppression based on race, gender, class, ethnicity, religion, and sexuality.
The reaction of Asian nations to neocolonialism varies according to their regional context, historical experience, political system, economic situation, and social structure. Here are some examples of how different regions of Asia have reacted to neocolonialism:
South Asia: South Asia has a long history of colonialism and anti-colonial struggle against the British Empire. After independence, most South Asian countries adopted a non-aligned stance and sought to balance their relations with the major powers. However, some countries also faced internal conflicts and external interventions that challenged their sovereignty and stability. For instance, Pakistan has been a close ally of the United States and has received military and economic aid in exchange for its cooperation in the war on terror. However, this has also led to accusations of being a client state and a target of drone strikes. India, on the other hand, has pursued a more independent and assertive foreign policy that seeks to enhance its regional and global role. India has also been wary of China’s growing influence and presence in South Asia, especially through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which involves infrastructure projects and loans in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives. India has also been vocal about its support for democracy and human rights in countries like Myanmar and Afghanistan.
Southeast Asia: Southeast Asia has also experienced colonialism and anti-colonial movements against various European powers. After independence, most Southeast Asian countries joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which aimed to promote regional cooperation and integration. ASEAN has also adopted a principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of its members and a policy of dialogue and consultation with external powers. However, some Southeast Asian countries have also faced challenges from neocolonialism in various forms. For example, the Philippines has been a long-time ally of the United States and hosts several American military bases and troops. However, this has also sparked anti-American sentiments and protests among some segments of the population. Vietnam has been a socialist country that fought against American intervention in the Vietnam War. However, it has also normalized its relations with the United States and pursued economic reforms and openness. Vietnam has also been involved in territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea, where China has been building artificial islands and militarizing them.
East Asia: East Asia witnessed colonialism and anti-colonial resistance against Japan, which occupied several parts of China and Korea during the first half of the twentieth century. After World War II, East Asia became a focal point of the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, which led to the division of Korea and China into two rival states. East Asia has also undergone rapid economic development and transformation that has made it one of the most dynamic regions in the world. However, East Asia also faces challenges from neocolonialism in various ways. For instance, Japan has been a close ally of the United States and hosts several American military bases and troops. However, this has also caused tensions with its neighbours, especially China and Korea, who have historical grievances against Japan’s wartime atrocities and revisionism. China has emerged as a major power that seeks to expand its influence and interests in East Asia and beyond. However, China’s rise has also provoked concerns and disputes with other countries over issues such as trade, human rights, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang, and the East China Sea.
Central Asia: Central Asia was part of the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991. Since then, Central Asian countries have gained their independence and sovereignty. However, they have also faced challenges from neocolonialism in different forms. For example, Russia has maintained its military presence and influence in Central Asia through various agreements and organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). Russia has also intervened in some Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to quell internal conflicts or support friendly regimes. The United States has also been involved in Central Asia through its war on terror in Afghanistan and its support for democracy and human rights in some countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. However, this has also led to accusations of meddling and double standards by some Central Asian governments and people. China has also increased its economic engagement and investment in Central Asia through its BRI which involves building roads, railways, pipelines, power plants, and other projects. However, this has also raised concerns about debt traps, environmental impacts, labour rights, cultural assimilation, and security implications.
West Asia: West Asia, also known as the Middle East, has been a region of strategic importance and geopolitical rivalry for centuries. It has also been a region of colonialism and anti-colonial resistance against various European powers, especially Britain and France. Some West Asian nations have resisted neocolonialism by challenging its policies and interventions in the region, either through diplomatic means or armed struggle. For example, Iran has been a vocal critic of neocolonialism since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the pro-American Shah and established an Islamic republic. Iran has also supported various anti-neocolonial groups and movements in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Palestine, and the Houthis in Yemen. Iraq has also resisted neocolonialism by fighting against the US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003-2011, which was widely seen as an illegal and unjust war based on false pretexts. Saudi Arabia has been a close ally of the United States since the 1940s when they signed a mutual defense pact and an oil concession agreement. Saudi Arabia has also supported American policies and initiatives in the region, such as the Arab-Israeli peace process, the Gulf War (1990-1991), and the War on Terror. However, Saudi Arabia has also faced criticism and resentment from some segments of its population and other West Asian countries for its perceived subservience to neocolonialism and its role in spreading Wahhabism, a conservative and puritanical form of Islam. Turkey has also been a key partner of the United States since it joined NATO in 1952. Turkey has also cooperated with American interests and objectives in the region, such as containing Soviet influence during the Cold War, mediating between Israel and Syria, and hosting US military bases and troops. However, Turkey has also faced tensions and disagreements with the United States over some issues, such as the Kurdish question, the Cyprus conflict, and the Armenian genocide.
While it is essential to critically analyze America's neocolonial influence in Asia, it is crucial to recognize that the relationship between the United States and Asian nations is complex and multifaceted. Neocolonial dynamics should not be seen as the sole defining characteristic of this relationship, as there are instances of cooperation, shared interests, and cultural exchange. By understanding the nuances of each situation and engaging in constructive dialogue, it becomes possible to move towards a more equitable and balanced international order that respects the rights and aspirations of all nations.