Many Challenges That Currently Facing the Middle East - Essay Example

Imperialism, Colonialism, and Globalization There are many challenges currently facing Middle East. These challenges arise out of colonial experiences; imperial ventures, globalization, and defensive modernization (Alkadry 739). These challenges occur as the nations tries to liberate from a period of national sovereignty and anti-colonial resistance to a moment of freedom and practice of democracy. These events arise from the colonial and postcolonial imperial practices. As a result, they have significantly undermined the notion of civil society. On the other hand, the democratization system has become a problem due to the influence of globalization. This is due to the clash of interest between the western industrialized nations and the state aboriginal affair (Alkadry 739). In the recent occurrences, most of the developed and decolonized have been caught up in the matrix of struggle for liberation and self-determination. Likewise, the countries of Middle East are furthering democracy and at the same time struggling to get self-determination in a postcolonial globalization context (Alkadry 739). Most of the countries in Middle East achieved their independence half a century ago. However, no single country in the region has a full-fledged democratic government. This is also evident in the wave of revolutions currently taking place in the region. Only few countries in the region that have made stride towards installing democratic institutions. These countries include Lebanon, Turkey, and Kuwait (Alkadry 740). The issue of self-determination is guided by two principles. They include national independence and freedom. In the Middle East, this has not been possible due to the threat of imperialism. This makes it difficult for the nations to move from a moment of national sovereignty and anti-social resistance to a moment of freedom and democratic governance (Alkadry 740). A reflection on imperialism, colonialism, and globalization help in understanding effects on Middle East. Imperialism has taken place in the world for a long time. Imperialism is described as taking over of a weaker nation or region by a strong nation (Global Imperialism 1). This is followed by control of political, economic, and cultural life by a superior nation. Algeria is one of the countries where imperialism was evident during the colonial period. It congest began in 1830. This occurred after French deployed powerful army in the region. The heavy military presence led to death of many Algerians. This helped France to acquire land in Algeria. This was followed by massive migration on settlers into Algeria to farm in the Algeria coastal plains (Women in World History 1). Most of the Algerians were employed in these farms as laborers. Moreover, France exercised control of public finances such as public works, education, and armed forces and security (Women in World History 1). However, there was armed resistance to the French rule based on tribes. The French armies in harsh means effectively subdued the rebellion. On the other hand, the colonial power was given voting power to elect representatives to the French legislature. Consequently, the colonial power possessed immense power and this helped in gaining enormous wealth. Additionally, most of the properties owned by the locals were confiscated both communal and private. In the year that followed, France exercised political, economic, and social dominance over Algeria and its inhabitants (Women in World History 1). This shows that imperialism helped France to develop their own ambitions and influenced wider developments. Imperialism affected countries in different ways. Imperialism helped in reviving the transport sector. This occurred as the colonizing country built roads and railways. This was meant to enhance easy movement for acquisition of raw materials. Moreover, there is an introduction of new technology, education, and improved health care (Hodgepodge 1). On the other hand, imperialism leads to negative effects. First, there was a lack of freedom as many countries were subjected to colonial authority (Hodgepodge 1). There is also diminishing cultural values as some of the countries were subjected to colonial language and living way. Moreover, Middle East was also influenced by imperialism in different ways. First, there was formation of Israel state and denouncing of Palestine as a state. This was done to cater for the interest of Britain. In addition, there was exploitation of oil by European especially Britain. Moreover, there was provision of arms and loans to some of countries such as Syria (Grant 1). There has also been ongoing discontent due to the influence of colonialism. This is still visible today in countries such as Syria and Iran. On the other hand, there were increased trade activities between the west and countries in the Middle East (Grant 1). This was facilitated by development of steamboat. There was also increased population in the region. This led to increase of people and was not able to sustain themselves due to lack of jobs. Colonialism has been in existence in the world for a long time. This entails the transfer of the population to a new territory, and living as permanent settlers and declare loyalty to a country of origin (Kohn 1). Colonization began in the 17th and 18th centuries. This was a way for the European countries to exert their control over large parts of the world. The Spanish and Portuguese had enormous colonies in the southern part of America. Likewise, Britain and France exercised control over a wide area of north America and middle East (Heldring and Robinson1). There was also establishment of colonies in Africa and Asia. Many countries were exposed to colonialism. Examples include Algeria, Egypt, India, Syria, and Lebanon. There are some disadvantages of colonialism. First, it led to competition for colonies in different parts of the world. Moreover, due to the resistance, there was death of many people as a colonial power fought to exercise management of large areas. There was also immense exploitation of the colonies. This was evident as most of the raw materials were taken from colonies for the industrial development that were taking place in Europe (Total War Center 1). This affected most of the economic development of countries even after gaining sovereignty. Additionally, colonization led to dependence on some colonies on their colonial masters. This was because at the state of independence most of the countries were left impoverished. There has also been increased rate of civil wars and revolution due to colonization. This occurred as some of the colonies installed the minority group to power ignoring the majority groups. This continues to be felt long after independence. Furthermore, most of the native’s culture was eroded by colonization. This was due to the introduction of foreign culture and language and a different style of worship. However, there was also positive side of colonization. One of the advantages was the development of technology and improvement of infrastructure. This took place as colonial powers sought ways of exercising control in colonies (Total War Center 1). There was also development of ways that diseases could be cured. This occurred through the work of the missionaries. Moreover, the colonies were exposed to different kind of education, and this led to rise of elites. Moreover, colonies were exposed to better and improved form of agriculture. Colonialism has affected Middle East in different ways. Firstly, it led to the development of Muslim states. Moreover, it led to protracted conflict that continues to take place. For example, the Lebanon border a creation of French has led to a serious conflict between Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Hezbollah (Ritli 1). On the other hand, colonization has led to the creation of states in the Middle East. One of such is the state of Israel. Globalization has become widespread in the current society. Globalization is a process in which different parts of the world have become interconnected over time (Ekopolitik 1). This is seen due to increased activities such as trade, sports, and even other forms of international competition. These avenues have provided a way in which different parts of the countries are able to interact freely. Moreover, the improvement in technology has led to increased global interaction. There are benefits of globalization. One of the benefits is that it has led to connection and interaction between countries. This occurs through foreign trade, investment, and tourism. Moreover, there has also been increased job opportunities (Ekopolitik 1). This is because due to expansion of multinational companies in different parts of the world. There have also been increased cultural interactions through various competitions such as sports. On the other hand, there have been negative effects of globalization. One of the effects is the continuous interdependence of countries. Moreover, it leads to deterioration of indigenous culture due to the impact of foreign culture. On the other hand, globalization leads to erosion of sovereignty. This occurs through control of countries by the superpowers (Yale Center 1). In addition, Middle East has been affected by globalization. This has occurred through infiltration of western culture and ideologies in the area (Yale Center 1). This is seen as most of the women in the region have started gaining some of the rights that were not available before. On the other hand, there has been increased number of men and women from the region participating in activities involving other countries of the world. For example, there has been an emergence of sportsmen taking part in leading sporting activities. On the other hand, globalization has led to erosion of culture in the region (Yale Center 1). In conclusion, it is clear that colonization, imperialism, and globalization have affected the world in different ways. These effects continue to be seen currently. Middle East has been one of the areas affected and continues to be affected by colonialism, imperialism, and globalization. The foreigners have seen this in the conflict that is taking place in the region, loss of sovereignty, exploitation of resources, and influence of the region. The conflict that is taking place in the area has arisen due to the process. Therefore, it is clear that imperialism and colonialism are not done. This is because globalization has emerged as a new form of imperialism and colonialism. Works Cited Alkadry, Mohamad. “Reciting Colonial Scripts: Colonialism, Globalization and Democracy in the Decolonized Middle East.” Administrative Theory & Praxis 24.4 (2002): 739-762. Print. Ekopolitik. “Globalization - New Imperialism?” Ekopolitik.org. Web. 22 November 2013.< Http://www.ekopolitik.org/en/news.aspx?id=4845&pid=1850>. Global Imperialism. “What is Imperialism?” Boisestate.edu. Web. 22 November 2013. < http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/lockwoodm/Imperialism/WhatIs.htm>. Grant, Ted. “Suez—the Crisis of Western Imperialism.” Marxists.org. Web. 22 November 2013. . Heldring, Leander and Robinson, James. “Colonialism and development in Africa.” Voxeu.org. < http://www.voxeu.org/article/colonialism-and-development-africa>. Hodgepodge. “Impact of Imperialism.” Sis.org. Web. 22 November 2013. . Kohn, Margaret. “Colonialism.” Stanford.edu. Web. 22 November 2013.< Http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/colonialism/>. Ritli, Evan. “Colonialism, Lebanon and the Middle East.” Www.e-ir.info. Web. 22 November 2013. . Total War Center. “Colonialism effect on the world in general.” Twcenter.net. Web. 22 November 2013. . Women in World History. “Imperialism in North Africa.” Gmu.edu. Web. 22 November 2013. < http://chnm.gmu.edu/wwh/modules/lesson9/lesson9.php?s=0>. Yale Center. “Globalization and the Middle East.” Yaleglobal.yale.edu. Web. 22 November 2013. . Read More