There is a bleak relationship between liberalism and colonialism - Essay Example

There is a Bleak Relationship between Liberalism and Colonialism Colonialism prospers where there is a bankruptcyof liberalism. Colonialists purport to show respect for human rights while indeed they deny locals the fundamental freedom to express themselves. The harsh realities of colonialism are ignored in order to maintain control. Elkins acknowledges the relationship between liberalism and colonialism in her articles through the British system established in Kenya, Malaya, and Cyprus. She seeks the support of Anderson, Bennett to argue her case in the High Court of Justice.

Liberalism does not come easily where colonialism is practiced and perceived as an instrument for providing freedom. Colonialism leads to atrocities where liberalism is absent. Elkins acknowledges that British colonialism in Kenya did not give natives right and access to amenities (Elkins 2011: 7374). The system of governance used constituted torture and violence to ensure that Kenyans obeyed the system. Additionally, the use of military agents to deal with Mau Mau insurgents used thepower that denied Kenya access to freedom.

The military government received support from the high officials in the colonial government. The illegal use of force to rule Kenya confirms that liberalism cannot thrive where colonialism is practiced. Elkins reveals that the five complainants required hard evidence for them to win the case. One of the documents that were used includes Hanslope Disclosure, and it was used to document cases of violence and detention. The practice of colonialism during British Empire in Kenya led to deaths at least 1,000 Mau Mau suspects through hanging.

Bringing colonial warlords to justice grants the former colonies a sense of self-actualization. However, the warlords out up a fight and destroy any evidence that can ascertain that they committed atrocities that disrespected human rights. One of the common processes that are used to seek reconciliation between colonialism and liberalism is restorative justice. Elkins argues that liberalism comes through the process of restorative justice (Elkins 2011: 736). Mau Mau suspects and sympathizers were detained amidst massive public support and protests.

Restorative justice requires incontrovertible evidence when victims of colonialism pursue thelegal process to claim damages. The oral testimonies in the case of Mau Mau victims against theBritish government were the lifeblood for the case. However, justice will be served where oral testimonies are backed up by written documents. The legal process should understand how the colonial rule was structured and functioned to come up with a sound ruling. Colonialism dominates liberalism through methods such as displacement rules, secrecy and forfeiting the rights of the natives in the colonies.

The British influence and ability to conduct interrogation gave it a colonial power an edge. The influence and interrogation gave colonialism profound prosperity in Malaya and Cyprus. Elkins affirms that liberalism does not come easily, and hard evidence must be produced. Instruments of torture such as electric shock, water torture, and arsenals were required for war criminals to be prosecuted in Malaya and Cyprus (Elkins 2011: 278). Bringing British colonialists to justice requires archiving information from the official records.

Elkins also reveals that colonies such as Cyprus were supposed to seek oral testimonies and histories from sources in Greek and interrogation centers in Lefka. The author is convinced that the some of the colonial evils were conducted in utter secrecy and behind closed doors. Therefore, offering the claimants the liberty needed from their former colonialists required past and present investigations. The arguments of Elkins about the relationship between liberalism and colonialism are impeccable.

She does not rely on her personal knowledge and research to substantiate information relating to the colonial British Empire. She uses the work of other authors whom they work together in the case. She anchors her claims on strong evidence from past and present historical collections such as Hanslope Disclosure.