The Opinions of the Three Authors Concerning the Effect of Imperialism on Material Progress - Essay Example

Bauer’s article “The Economics of Resentment: Colonialism and Underdevelopment” explains the concepts that underline the correlation between colonial status and the material development of the underdeveloped world. He introduces the concept of economic or environmental determinism, in which he cites external forces as the cause of the poverty of some groups.1 Bauer dispels the common opinion that the underdeveloped world is poor because of Western policies and imperialism. Removal of colonialism does not necessarily trigger economic development.

Colonial status does not necessarily hamper the material progress of developing countries in Africa or Asia. Robert Kaplan’s article “In Defense of Empire” explores tempered American imperialism. Imperialism has both positive and negative aspects, depending on its application in a country or empire. Kaplan explains that previous empires provided greater peace and stability as compared to contemporary America. Imperialism is a form of self-government that occupies a middle ground between disorder and full state control.

2 Although the quest for riches drives imperialism, it results in other beneficial factors such as cosmopolitanism, which spur growth. The conclusion that imperialism only results in evil is an apathetic notion based on some minor cases of its negative effects. Mike Davis’ “Late Victorian Holocausts” is a book that relates political economy and global climate patterns, specifically, the relationship between colonialism, capitalism, and global famine. He highlights the negative effects of imperialism when he argues that economic and political systems, which characterize imperialism, have caused the death of millions.

Davis’ book details how the economic philosophy of the colonial governments exacerbated rural poverty and food shortage while economic guidelines intensified famine. This imperialistic behavior is the reason for most third-world countries.3 Davis would dispute Bauer and Kaplan’s argument because he focuses on the negative effects of imperialism. Bauer and Kaplan are more convincing than Davis because they examine both the positive and negative aspects of colonialism and imperialism while Davis only focuses on famine as a negative aspect.

While colonialists institute policies that may undermine economic growth, it is the duty of local governments and empires to exploit the benefits of imperialism, for instance, cosmopolitanism. The situation in India was a catastrophic effect of fierce economic dissimilarity combined with a radical one-sidedness of political voice and power. According to Bauer, imperialist governments promoted law and order, improved health and transport infrastructure, instituted financial institutions such as banks, and safeguarded legal interests and contractual agreements.

4 In conclusion, the speed at which countries adapt to social and political changes determines their material progress. Political regimes and their policies on economic development have a stronger effect on material progress than the effect of colonialism or imperialism.