Anti-imperialism

Quick Facts: Who was Anti-imperialism?

Subject:

Anti-imperialism

Known for:

Opposition to imperialism, colonialism, and neocolonial influence in global politics.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Anti-imperialism in political science and international relations is opposition to imperialism or neocolonialism. Anti-imperialist sentiment typically manifests as a political principle in independence struggles against intervention or influence from a global superpower, as well as in opposition to colonial rule. Anti-imperialism can also arise from a specific economic theory, such as in the Leninist interpretation of imperialism (Vladimir Lenin's theory of surplus value being exported to less developed nations in search of higher profits, eventually leading to imperialism), which is derived from Lenin's 1917 work Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism. People who categorize themselves as anti-imperialists often state that they are opposed to colonialism, colonial empires, hegemony, imperialism and the territorial expansion of a country beyond its established borders. The phrase gained a wide currency after the Second World War and at the onset of the Cold War as political movements in colonies of European powers promoted national sovereignty.

Career & Major Achievements

Some anti-imperialist groups who opposed the United States supported the power of the Soviet Union, while in some Marxist schools, such as Maoism, this was criticized as social imperialism. Islamist movements traditionally view the United States, Israel, Russia and China as imperial and neocolonial forces engaged in persecution and oppression of Muslim communities domestically and abroad. An influential movement independent of the Western left that advocated religious anti-imperialism was pan-Islamism; which challenged the Western civilisational model and rose to prominence across various parts of the Islamic world during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its most influential ideologue was the Sunni theologian Muhammad Rashid Rida, a fierce opponent of Western ideas, who called upon Muslims to rise up in armed resistance by waging jihad against imperialism and re-establish an Islamic caliphate. Through his resolution in the Second World Congress of Comintern (1920), Lenin accused the anti-imperialism of pan-Islamists of favouring the interests of the bourgeoisie, feudal landlords and religious clerics; and incited communists to compulsorily fight pan-Islamism.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Since then, Soviet authorities regularly employed the charge of pan-Islamism to target Islamic dissidents for anti-Soviet activities and fomenting anti-communist rebellions. Some Enlightenment writers expressed anti-imperialist ideas in the 18th century, especially targeting luxury as an issue. In the late 1870s, the term "imperialism" was introduced to the English language by opponents of the aggressively imperial policies of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (in office: 1874–1880). It was shortly appropriated by supporters of "imperialism" such as Joseph Chamberlain (1836–1914). For some, imperialism designated a policy of idealism and philanthropy; others alleged that it was characterized by political self-interest; and a growing number associated it with capitalist greed.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1836: 1836 Milestone — It was shortly appropriated by supporters of "imperialism" such as Joseph Chamberlain (1836–1914).
2. 1874: 1874 Milestone — In the late 1870s, the term "imperialism" was introduced to the English language by opponents of the aggressively imperial policies of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (in office: 1874–1880).
3. 1917: 1917 Milestone — Anti-imperialism can also arise from a specific economic theory, such as in the Leninist interpretation of imperialism (Vladimir Lenin's theory of surplus value being exported to less developed nations in search of higher profits, eventually leading to imperialism), which is derived from Lenin's 1917 work Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism.
4. 1920: 1920 Milestone — Through his resolution in the Second World Congress of Comintern (1920), Lenin accused the anti-imperialism of pan-Islamists of favouring the interests of the bourgeoisie, feudal landlords and religious clerics; and incited communists to compulsorily fight pan-Islamism.

Notable Quotes by Anti-imperialism

“The taproot of imperialism is not in nationalist pride, but in capitalism.” (1902)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Anti-imperialism

True or False: “Anti-imperialism was a concept exclusively developed by Marxist theorists like Vladimir Lenin.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Lenin provided key theories, anti-imperialist sentiment also emerged from Enlightenment writers and liberal thinkers.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdullah al-Sallal — Historical peer (Born in 1917) (1917): Yemeni military officer and revolutionary who led the North Yemeni Revolution of 1962.
• Adolf von Baeyer — Historical peer (Died in 1917) (1917): Pioneering German chemist known for indigo synthesis and IUPAC nomenclature.
• Abraham Kuyper — Historical peer (Died in 1920) (1920): Influential neo-Calvinist pastor, journalist, and Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
• Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani — Historical peer (Born in 1920) (1920): Emir of Qatar (1960–1972) whose reign oversaw the nation's oil boom and independence.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Historical peer (Born in 1874) (1874): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Adolphe Quetelet — Historical peer (Died in 1874) (1874): Pioneering Belgian statistician, founder of anthropometry, and social scientist.
• A. Wyatt Tilby — Historical peer (Born in 1880) (1880): British author, journalist, and traveler known for his writings on history and philosophy.
• Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani — Historical peer (Born in 1880) (1880): Bangladeshi statesman and founder of the Awami League, known for advocating for the poor.
• Aaron Burr — Historical peer (Died in 1836) (1836): American politician, lawyer, and statesman known for his role in the Jeffersonian era.
• André-Marie Ampère — Historical peer (Died in 1836) (1836): Founder of classical electromagnetism; inventor of the solenoid and electrical telegraph.

Frequently Asked Questions about Anti-imperialism