Internal Colonialism

Internal Colonialism

Chijioke Akusoronwa

This theoretical framework is a 20th century theory. The theory is simply about the distribution of power and advantage within states. Internal Colonialism refers to political and economic inequalities between regions within a single society. In internal colonialism, one geographic area or ethnic group dominated another within the same country. The term may be used to describe the uneven effects of state development on a regional basis and to describe the exploitation of minority groups, like the Niger Delta region, within the wider society. The relationship between colonizer, like the British, and colony, like in Nigeria, is similarly unequal and exploitative in colonialism and internal colonialism. An internal colony typically produces wealth for the benefit of those areas most closely associated with the state, usually the capital area, this is typical of the Northern and Western Region dominating the minority groups in Nigeria. The members of the internal colonies are distinguished as different by a cultural variable such as ethnicity, language, or religion. They are then excluded from prestigious social and political positions, which are dominated by members of the metropolis (Abercrombie et al., 2000:183). This had lead to the agitation for resource control in the Niger Delta due to domination by the Northern and Western regions. The main difference between neocolonialism and internal colonialism is the source of exploitation. In the former, the control comes from outside the nation-state, while in the latter it comes from within. One of the pivotal publications on the subject is Michael Hechter's Internal Colonialism: The Celtic Fringe in British National Development (1975).

Extract of Akusoronwa Chijioke Mark BSc Thesis, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, 2008.

CHIJIOKE writes from the United States. He holds a professional certification in Management and a first degree in Political Science and one of the best graduating students in the said discipline from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. As the Principal/Head Consultant, Heroesplus Consultant based in Lagos, Nigeria.  His interest in research and development made him a social blogger, political adviser, public speaker and a prolific biographer. Among his works includes: Celebrating Our Country In Doubt: A Question Begging Patriotic Answer; Challenging Your Dreams; Nigeria Sixth Republic: 50 Years Of Unfinished Leadership; 2011, April Ballot: Winners, Losers And The Nigerians Lesson, among others. He is a member of Civil Liberty Organization, Rotaract Club to mention a few.

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