Critique of Colonial Neoliberalism

Abstract

Abstract This chapter explores the concept of colonial neoliberalism. This concept is developed at the intersection of two seemingly incommensurable terms: colonialism and neoliberalism. Charting the genealogies of these terms, the chapter shows the lines of entanglements that hold these two concepts together as a mutually reinforcing project. It also demonstrates how self-governance under liberal democracy works to accomplish neoliberal objectives, thus curtailing the legitimacy of ipseity as an essential democratic value. What is legitimized in the absence of ipseity is the neoliberal colonial intrusions that operate as the rationality of power/governmentality that is deployed to regulate postcolonial aspirations and desires. The chapter also demonstrates that what was accomplished through violent colonial oppressive rule is now easily accomplished under these neoliberal colonial terms. The extractive capacity of the West has extended beyond what physical territorial aggrandizement could permit. Unfettered access to resources complements the reproduction of a people that is straight-jacketed into fulfilling the desires of what is now called its development partners.