Nels Abbey is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Success is contagious – so I’m rooting for the African countries throwing off European rule

02 Jan 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Colonialism

The article reflects on the 140th anniversary of the Berlin Conference, highlighting its lasting negative impact on Africa. It discusses recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger as hopeful signs of African countries throwing off European colonial legacies. The text criticizes the status quo of sham democracies and praises the formation of economic and military pacts among these nations as a step towards pan-Africanism and economic self-sufficiency. The author expresses hope for a future where Africa can reverse the damage caused by colonialism and become a development engine for its people.

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Colonialism African Politics Coups

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Rooted in Colonialism, Coca Prohibition Could Be Nearing Its End

28 Jan 2025  |  Filter  |  English  |  Colonialism

The article discusses the historical and ongoing prohibition of coca, rooted in colonialist policies, and the potential for change as the World Health Organization reviews its classification. Indigenous advocates and countries like Bolivia and Colombia are pushing for decriminalization, highlighting coca's cultural and nutritional significance. The article critiques past and present drug policies, emphasizing the need for reform and the potential benefits of a legal, regulated market for coca. Key stakeholders include the United Nations, WHO, and various advocates and organizations supporting policy change.

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Colonialism Coca Prohibition Drug Policy

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Antony Dapiran is a writer & commentator based in Hong Kong. He is the author of two books on Hong Kong, including most recently "City on Fire: The Fight for Hong Kong" (Scribe, 2020). His bylines have appeared in The Atlantic, New Statesman, Foreign Policy, Quartz, The Guardian, Bloomberg Opinion, ...

In Between City

04 Apr 2024  |  China Books Review  |  English  |  Colonialism

The article discusses the complex history of Hong Kong, focusing on the narratives surrounding its colonial past and the role of its 'in-between' communities, such as Eurasians and ethnic minorities. It highlights the contrasting perspectives of British colonialism and the People's Republic of China's narrative, emphasizing the city's unique identity shaped by diverse influences. The article reviews Vaudine England's book 'Fortune’s Bazaar,' which re-centers these marginalized communities in Hong Kong's history, challenging traditional narratives. It also reflects on the implications of Hong Kong's shifting identity amid recent political changes and migration patterns, drawing parallels with other historically multicultural port cities.

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Colonialism Hong Kong History Identity Politics

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Paula Dupraz-Dobias is a journalist based in Geneva, Switzerland, also working regularly in Peru.

The Double Standards of Geneva's Initial Relationship with Colonialism

27 Jun 2024  |  TVS tvsvizzera.it  |  Italian  |  Colonialism

Geneva is re-evaluating its historical ties with colonialism through a new exhibition that highlights the city's dual role in humanitarianism and colonial exploitation. The exhibition reveals how Geneva supported colonial activities, particularly in the Congo, and questions the motivations of Red Cross founders Henry Dunant and Gustave Moynier. Despite Switzerland not having its own colonies, its citizens and companies were involved in colonial enterprises. The exhibition aims to provoke public reflection on Geneva's past to address current global challenges, emphasizing the continuity of power dynamics from the 19th century to present-day multinational corporations and banks.

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Colonialism Humanitarianism Historical Reflection

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I'm a freelance journalist currently based in Medellin, Colombia. Though the bulk of my reporting experience has been covering culture, politics and gender issues around New York City, I've also written features from places like Cuba, Bolivia and Peru. My work has appeared in Jezebel, the Village ...

Howard French on reframing history with Africa at the center

28 Feb 2024  |  Devex  |  English  |  Colonialism

Howard French's book 'Born in Blackness' challenges the Eurocentric narrative of world history by placing Africa at its center. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, French reveals Africa's significant role over the past six centuries. In a discussion with Devex President Raj Kumar, French provides insights into the creation of his book and offers a new perspective on historical events.

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Colonialism History Africa

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Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔

Reflections On Islam's Intellectual Traditions

04 Feb 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Colonialism

The author expresses deep regret over the inability to understand classical Islamic languages, which limits their comprehension of Islam's rich intellectual traditions. They critique the reliance on Western literature, which often carries colonial biases, and the oversimplified portrayal of Islam in Urdu literature. Highlighting the diverse cultural and historical processes that shaped Islam, the author calls for a more nuanced and creative engagement with Islamic intellectual heritage, inspired by scholars like Edward Said.

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Colonialism Islamic Intellectual Traditions Cultural Assimilation

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Oliver Farry is an Irish journalist based in Paris, newly relocated after six years in Hong Kong. He has worked  with France 24, Radio France Internationale, the South China Morning Post, TV5MONDE, the BBC, TG4 (Ireland) and RTÉ. Oliver's freelance bylines include the Guardian, The Irish Times, the ...

One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This and The World after Gaza: holding the West to account

15 Feb 2025  |  The Irish Times  |  English  |  Colonialism

Omar El Akkad's book 'One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This' critiques Western complicity and silence regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, highlighting media biases and institutional reluctance to challenge pro-Israel narratives. Pankaj Mishra's 'The World After Gaza' explores the historical and intellectual roots of Zionism and Western support for Israel, critiquing the instrumentalization of the Holocaust and colonial legacies. Both authors argue that Western attitudes towards Gaza and colonialism remain unchanged, with implications for international relations and perceptions in the Global South.

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Colonialism Israel-Palestine Conflict Media Criticism

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Anthea Gerrie is a journalist based in Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom who specialises in food, wine, health, travel, architecture, art and design.  She writes for national newspapers and magazines and is also published internationally in the USA and Australia.

Burma to Myanmar: a muddled history that sidelines the Rohingya genocide

31 Oct 2023  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  British Colonialism

The British Museum's exhibition on Myanmar's history, marking the 75th anniversary of its independence from British rule, attempts to explore the country's past beyond recent headlines. However, it faces challenges in addressing the vast timeline and changing boundaries, as well as the contentious name change from Burma to Myanmar. The exhibition covers Myanmar's pre-colonial history, British colonialism, and the impact of racial stereotyping introduced during British rule. Despite its efforts, the exhibition is criticized for inadequately addressing the Rohingya genocide, with only minimal representation of the Rohingya people. The article suggests that while the exhibition aims to delve into Myanmar's history, it overlooks significant contemporary issues.

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British Colonialism Rohingya Genocide Myanmar History

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Abdulwasiu Hassan is a multimedia journalist based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Why is reparation for colonial-era crimes against Africans crucial?

03 Dec 2023  |  Botswana's struggle to have greater share of its diamond  |  English  |  Colonialism

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo Addo emphasized the need for reparations for the descendants of approximately 12 million Africans enslaved by Western countries, during a summit in Accra. The summit's delegates agreed to establish a 'Global Reparation Fund' to advocate for compensation. Despite growing calls for reparations, some analysts remain skeptical about Western countries' willingness to pay.

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Colonialism Reparations Slavery

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Anmol Irfan is a journalist based in Lahore, Pakistan. She has a BA in History from the London School of Economics. She is also the Founder of Perspective Magazine, an online magazine and community platform that seeks to empower marginalised voices and unheard stories in Pakistan. 
Her writing ...

Reclaiming Heritage: The Global Push for Repatriation of Looted Artifacts

21 Nov 2024  |  Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly  |  English  |  Colonialism

The global movement for the repatriation of looted artifacts is gaining momentum, with countries like Iraq and Nigeria successfully reclaiming cultural heritage items. This push is driven by a growing moral awareness, particularly among younger generations, about the ethical implications of displaying looted artifacts in museums. The article highlights the challenges and misconceptions surrounding repatriation, emphasizing the need for museums to prioritize returning items with significant cultural and spiritual importance. The movement is seen as a crucial step in addressing the legacies of colonialism and restoring cultural heritage to rightful custodians.

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Colonialism Repatriation of Artifacts Cultural Heritage

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Mike Ives is a journalist based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and a regular contributor to The Economist and The New York Times.

Monuments in Australia Are Vandalized to Protest National Day

26 Jan 2025  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Colonialism

Protests against Australia Day, seen by some as a symbol of colonial oppression, led to the vandalism of statues of British settlers and an English king in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. The day, commemorating the arrival of a British fleet in the late 18th century, remains contentious, with some Australians celebrating while others, highlighting the historical oppression of Indigenous people, refer to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day.

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Colonialism Protests Indigenous Rights

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James Jackson is a multimedia journalist based in Berlin, Germany. 

James is a self-starting media professional who is comfortable writing news, specialist reports dispatches, op-eds and features. A native English speaker, he is fluent in German and Spanish and covers Central Europe for outlets ...

Otto von Bismarck branded ‘coloniser’ as protesters topple statue in Frankfurt

17 Nov 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Colonialism

Protesters in Frankfurt toppled a statue of Otto von Bismarck, labeling him a coloniser, coinciding with the 140th anniversary of the Berlin Conference. The act was claimed by a group on a far-Left website, criticizing Bismarck's role in Africa's colonization. The event sparked reactions from political figures, with the Alternative for Germany party condemning it as an attack on history. The legacy of Bismarck, a key figure in German unification, is under scrutiny, with debates on his colonialist past intensifying in recent years.

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Colonialism Protests German History

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Sergio Lo Gatto is a journalist based in Roma, Italy.
Born in 1982. Lives and works as a freelance theatre critic and cultural journalist in Rome/Italy. He is PhD Candidate in Theatre Studies at the Sapienza University of Rome, with a doctoral thesis in theories of criticism and digital philosophy....

RECTUM CROCODILE by Martin M’tuomo

01 Aug 2024  |  www.teatroecritica.net  |  Italian  |  Colonialism

Marvin M’tuomo's theatrical work 'Rectum Crocodile' is a politically charged performance that critiques colonialism through a blend of artistic expression and political messaging. Set in a circus-like arena, the performance features a diverse array of costumes and monologues that highlight the historical injustices inflicted upon native populations. While the production is praised for its creativity and technical execution, the overt political agenda sometimes overshadows the artistic elements, leading to a lack of critical engagement with the material. The performance was showcased at the Santarcangelo Festival and involved a collaborative effort from various artists and organizations.

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Colonialism Theatre Review

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David Mafabi is a journalist based in Mbale, Uganda.

David D Mafabi
|Tel :************|************ | Email : ************

Bsc Mass communication, Diploma -Literature/English   
I have more than 10 years of progressive work experience in journalism at national, regional and local press. I ...

The New Democratic State

18 Nov 2024  |  Daily Express  |  English  |  Colonialism

The article explores the evolution of state systems, emphasizing the transition from slave-owning and feudal states to capitalist and socialist states. It highlights Mao Zedong's concept of a 'new democratic republic' as a transitional state form for colonial and semi-colonial countries, characterized by the joint dictatorship of anti-imperialist classes. The National Liberation Movement in Uganda, led by Yoweri Museveni, is presented as embodying this new democratic state, focusing on national tasks in politics, economics, and society. The article underscores the necessity of this state form in the context of historical and material conditions.

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Colonialism Political Theory State Formation

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Marc Martorell Junyent holds a Bachelor in International Relations and is a second-year student of a master in Comparative and Middle East Politics and Society at the University of Tübingen, Germany. His research and political analysis focuses on the Middle East and North Africa region, with ...

Britain: Its Empire and Corporations, and Their Current Traces

14 Nov 2023  |  www.juancole.com  |  English  |  British Colonialism

Philip J. Stern's book 'Empire, Incorporated: The Corporations That Built British Colonialism' explores the integral role of British corporations in the expansion of the British Empire. The review highlights the historical intertwining of private capital and royal prerogatives, focusing on key entities like the East India Company and the Imperial British East Africa Company. The narrative covers the evolution of corporate imperialism, its impact on regions like Kenya and India, and the eventual formalization and decline of the British Empire. Stern's work is noted for its detailed historical analysis, though it may be more suited to historians than general readers.

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British Colonialism Corporations History

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Liam Miller is a journalist based in Santiago, Chile.

Unfinished business: From Chattel Slavery to reparatory justice in The Bahamas: Part 2

31 Jul 2024  |  caribbeannewsglobal.com  |  English  |  Colonialism

The article discusses the need for reparatory justice in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, highlighting the historical and ongoing impacts of chattel slavery and colonialism. It argues for reparations from former colonial powers, emphasizing the economic, diplomatic, historical, legal, and spiritual dimensions of reparatory justice. The article critiques the lack of formal apologies from British leaders and institutions that benefited from slavery, while acknowledging positive steps taken by some individuals and organizations. It proposes the creation of a 'Repair and Resilience Fund' to support climate resilience and sustainable development in the Caribbean, and calls for active participation from both the oppressed and oppressors in achieving reparatory justice.

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Colonialism Reparatory Justice Chattel Slavery

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Lluis Muñoz Pandiella is a journalist based in Barcelona, Spain.

Colombia extracts colonialism, litigation, and archaeology from the San José galleon

01 Mar 2024  |  www.france24.com  |  Spanish  |  Colonialism

The article discusses the ongoing efforts by Colombia to extract and study the San José galleon, a shipwreck with significant historical and cultural value. The mission, led by the Colombian government, aims to uncover the colonial and archaeological history associated with the galleon. The article highlights the involvement of various stakeholders, including indigenous leaders, government officials, and international organizations. It also touches on the legal disputes and international cooperation surrounding the mission, emphasizing the cultural and educational importance of the endeavor.

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Colonialism Archaeology Litigation

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Shafi Musaddique is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. Currently freelance business reporter for the Independent. Bylines also in Prospect Magazine, Huffington Post in 2017. Previously a journalist at the BBC and the Economist, starting out as a reporter for local newspapers in London.

We need a new vocabulary in global development

06 Dec 2023  |  Alliance magazine  |  English  |  Colonialism

The article critiques the language used in global development, arguing that many terms perpetuate colonial and Western-centric power structures. It calls for a new vocabulary that supports power redistribution and respects the knowledge and experiences of marginalized communities. The authors, co-facilitators of the Humanising Development Collective, highlight problematic terms like 'international development,' 'global best practice,' and 'beneficiary,' and emphasize the need for new terms to emerge from those affected by current development practices.

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Colonialism Global Development Language and Power

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Sérgio Obete Nhambi is an accomplished international multimedia journalist based in Washington, D.C., specializing in global affairs, politics, and economic developments. As a journalist with Voice of America, Nhambi brings extensive experience in digital platform management, investigative ...

Africans demand financial reparations for colonial era crimes

06 Dec 2023  |  www.voaportugues.com  |  Portuguese  |  Colonialism

Following acknowledgments by some European leaders of colonial atrocities, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo recently emphasized the long-overdue need for financial reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. Analysts interviewed by Voz da América agree that apologies should be followed by concrete actions.

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Colonialism Reparations Transatlantic Slave Trade

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Kelvin Ogome is a Freelance Journalist based in Nairobi: working in Eastern Uganda, Kenya and the Great Lakes region.

King Charles III Says 'No Excuse' for British Colonial Atrocities in Kenya

01 Nov 2023  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  British Colonialism

King Charles III, during his visit to Kenya, acknowledged the British colonial atrocities but stopped short of offering an apology, which many Kenyans had hoped for. He emphasized the importance of understanding the wrongs committed and honoring those affected. Civil groups and victims of British rule expressed disappointment over the lack of an apology and called for compensation. The visit marks King Charles III's first tour of an African and Commonwealth nation since becoming king, coinciding with Kenya's upcoming 60th independence anniversary.

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British Colonialism Apology Compensation

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Tamara Pearson has been a journalist for 22 years, and an editor as well for a total of 12 of those. She is based in Puebla, Mexico.

How to Not Get Along With Apocalypses in Other Countries

24 Apr 2024  |  CounterPunch.org  |  English  |  Colonialism

The article discusses the pervasive inequality and exploitation faced by the Global South, highlighting historical and ongoing injustices such as colonization, starvation, and human rights violations. It criticizes the Global North for perpetuating these issues and calls for global justice through collective action, empathy, and resistance. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these injustices, advocating for a shift in global consciousness and the need for reparations and systemic change.

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Colonialism Global Inequality Human Rights

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Alison Roberts is a journalist based in Lisbon, Portugal. Currently freelance correspondent for BBC News, she also contributes to National Public Radio (US), CBC (Canada) and other English-language services, as well as Portugal's national news agency Lusa. Edited Time Out Guides since 1999 and ...

Portugal's debate over colonial and slavery reparations resurfaces

28 Apr 2024  |  www.aol.com  |  English  |  Colonialism

The Portuguese government has no intention to pay reparations for its role in transatlantic slavery and colonialism, despite President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's suggestion that the country should make amends for historical abuses. The right-of-centre government and the far-right Chega party have rejected the idea, with Chega planning to condemn the president's remarks in parliament. The debate was reignited after the president's comments to foreign correspondents, although he did not specifically mention slavery. Brazil's Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, called for actions to support the president's words. The government maintains its stance against reparations, consistent with previous administrations, despite some cultural ministers exploring the return of looted items. Anti-racist groups and far-left parties continue to advocate for reparations, while the conservative president, with personal ties to the colonial era, challenges right-wing narratives that downplay the negative aspects of colonialism.

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Colonialism Slavery Reparations Politics

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Robyn Smith is an award-winning broadcast journalist, CNN fellow, content creator and social media producer with twenty years experience in the industry, including television news anchoring, reporting, script writing, producing, news planning and copy editing. 
She's reported from across the ...

Australia would do well to have a chat about the truth of its history, and stop memorialising monsters

15 Feb 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Colonialism

Australia's northern regions have a history of violent colonialism, with many places named after individuals responsible for atrocities against Indigenous Australians. The article calls for a re-evaluation of these place names and a more honest discussion about the country's colonial past, highlighting the selective amnesia in historical records and the need to acknowledge the true history of these regions.

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Colonialism Australian History Indigenous Issues

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Bruno Waterfield is Brussels correspondent for The Times. He has been reporting on European affairs for almost 20 years, first from Westminster and then from the capital of the EU. He reported for the Daily Telegraph from Brussels from 2007 to 2015.

Artist who braved pirates and jungles gets her star turn

29 Aug 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Colonialism

Maria Sibylla Merian, an artist and naturalist, is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in documenting the metamorphosis of insects and her detailed drawings from her travels in Suriname. Despite facing dangers from pirates and the disapproval of Dutch colonists, Merian's work highlighted the harsh realities of slavery and the valuable knowledge of indigenous people. The Rijksmuseum's library collections curator, Alex Alsemgeest, emphasizes the artistic and scientific significance of her work, which continues to resonate with contemporary narratives.

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Colonialism Art History

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