Imperialism and the Global System

How does the world economy actually work? What is imperialism in its classical and contemporary forms? How do wealth and power flow between regions, and what does this mean for the lives of people in the imperial core and the periphery? The theme covers colonialism, decolonization, dependency theory, contemporary imperialism, and global solidarity.

How to use this theme

This folder organizes resources by lens. See the Pedagogy document for what the lenses do and why they are structured this way.

• Experiential: What is your experience with this? What does the room already know?
• Historical: How did this come to be?
• Theoretical: How do we understand and analyze it?
• Practical: What is happening on the ground and what are people doing about it?
• Liberatory: What would it mean to overcome or transform this?

A session does not need to use all five lenses. A study circle may move across them. Use what serves the room.

Anchor questions

This section will hold a curated set of questions that have proven useful for opening up this theme. Contributions welcome.

Recommended sequences

This section will offer suggested arcs for groups new to this theme. A six-week study circle, a single-session entry point, a weekend intensive. To be developed.

Related themes

Cross-references to other themes that connect closely with this one.

Status

This theme is in early development. Resources are being added as the project grows. If you have run a session on this theme, consider contributing back what you used and what you learned.