NationStates Jolt Archive

The recent topic on Israel got me thinking...
What is the responsibility of former colonial masters towards the nations they used to rule? Consider many of these nations are now experiencing some sort of conflict, usually as a result of the colonial policy of the colony holder (EX: Tribal relocations in Africa, as an example), should ex-empires be responsible for the well being of these nations? After, in some cases, hundreds of years of exploitation at the expense of native people, should former empires have to compensate those they used to rule?

Not unless you would like to be held accountable for the sins of your parents.

Not unless you would like to be held accountable for the sins fo your parents.

I agree. They might be the same countries, but they're not the same people.

Nope. :)

Agreed. What's done is done. If we're gonna start looking for payouts on this issue you can go back a LONG way and have practically everybody owing everybody else money.

For example:

United Kingdom: Pay up. The USA is owed some colonial compensation. Then, one day, should American Indians ever reestablish control over North America, they could expect payouts from whatever's left of the USA, England, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Portugal, Italy...

The recent topic on Israel got me thinking...
What is the responsibility of former colonial masters towards the nations they used to rule? Consider many of these nations are now experiencing some sort of conflict, usually as a result of the colonial policy of the colony holder (EX: Tribal relocations in Africa, as an example), should ex-empires be responsible for the well being of these nations? After, in some cases, hundreds of years of exploitation at the expense of native people, should former empires have to compensate those they used to rule?

Monetary compensation, no. As previously said, these were the actions of our ancestors and it would be impractical and unworkable to sort out. However, a lot of ex-colonial powers do give considerable foreign aide to their old colonies and try to help them in other ways, including favourable trade deals, investment etc...

I do think it's important we recognise that the actions of our ancestors, caused a lot of harm and are the root of many issues in the world today, even if it is arguable they may have helped improve certain aspects too. After all, if we don;t learn from our past, we are doomed to repeat it.

Not compensation per se, but a commitment by the former imperial powers to right the wrongs that were created by colonialism. Development assistance, fair trade agreements, a binding promise to quit interfering with the Third World for malevolent personal gain etc.

What is the responsibility of former colonial masters towards the nations they used to rule?
It's not independence if you get to mooch off us and complain at the same time.

The worst example for me is this utter, utter crap about Zimbabwe. Not only have we not actually ruled it for two generations (the Rhodesians declared independence in 1965) but that we get criticised for the utterly crap economy stemming from the disgraceful corruption in the current leadership is a bit much. And still people say we should be helping them. Not really, no. Nada para nada.
should ex-empires be responsible for the well being of these nations?
Not any more than anyone else, no.

The recent topic on Israel got me thinking...
What is the responsibility of former colonial masters towards the nations they used to rule? Consider many of these nations are now experiencing some sort of conflict, usually as a result of the colonial policy of the colony holder (EX: Tribal relocations in Africa, as an example), should ex-empires be responsible for the well being of these nations? After, in some cases, hundreds of years of exploitation at the expense of native people, should former empires have to compensate those they used to rule?

Hmm, what if a former colony is doing well?

Seems to me if a failing former colony should get reparations from the colonial master, then a successful former colony should owe some kind gratutity to the former colonial master. :p

(Oh, and no they shouldn't receive reparations...they got to keep the infrastructure)