Traditional imperialism can be defined as the system
where powerful nations increase their influence
over less powerful nations. Power can be derived by
coercion for example the establishment of a military
base in the colonised nations. However imperialistic
attitudes emulate these power relations through
agreements formed within multi-lateral treaties or
the involvement within an international court. An
understanding of the transformation imperialism
allows a deeper understanding of the mechanisms
used to maintain this power imbalance.
Galtung's Theory of
Imperialism
Galtung (1971) explains imperialism in his book
‘A structural theory of imperialism’ in terms of
degrees of harmony between Centre and Periphery
nations. For the purpose of this paper and in
terms of Galtung’s theory of imperialism it could
be argued that the “Centre” nations consist of
powerful countries within the Global North that
possess power in the form of military alliances. The
“Periphery” nations consist of Third world countries
that may not possess the same economic power.
Powerful countries are also premised on a form of
cultural imperialism whereby Western values are
seen as superior in comparison to those of other
countries.
The degree of harmony is based on inequality
between states. The position of politicians within
international affairs reinforce the position of the
Centre nation. This forms the basis of political
imperialism which impacts economic and cultural
patterns within both countries, benefitting Centre
nation. More importantly it impacts imperialism
maintained by communication whereby these
treaties and organisations strengthen the
Centre nation and reinforce the position of the
Periphery nations. Galtung hypothesised that in
the future neo-colonialism would compromise of
communication between nations. Thus making
imperialistic control less concrete, indirect and
mediated through communication such as
multilateral treaties.
Imperialism and International
Organisations
Galtung’s theory is significant as he hypothesised
that international organisations would be under
scrutiny for their sheer function. This is due to
less concrete and indirect imperialistic control. It is
important to understand that this power imbalance
is a product of communication between these state
parties.
International organisations are scrutinised regarding
their function by external bodies. They usually have
physical headquarters within countries of the Global
North, a lasting general secretary in the mother
country, forming a medium whereby influence can
flow. It also forms a harmony of interest whereby
equality is perceived within the organisation. There is
also an implicit assumption that certain nations lead
the organisation, for example multilateral meetings/
tribunals are heavily dominated by the Centre
nations.
The ICC
The Rome statute encompasses of four of the
most heinous crimes that can be committed, these
compromise of genocide, crimes against humanity,
crimes of aggression and war crimes as stipulated
in the Geneva convention. The trial of perpetrators
sets the ICC apart from other organisations, the
interrogation of higher-ranking government officials
allows for a single person to be held responsible and
placed on trial. The threat of individual prosecution
has caused
The Rome Statute is the multi-lateral treaty ratified
Article #12
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