neocolonialism

[ nee-oh-kuh-loh-nee-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. the policy of a strong nation in seeking political and economic hegemony over an independent nation or extended geographical area without necessarily reducing the subordinate nation or area to the legal status of a colony.

neocolonialism

/ ˌniːəʊkəˈləʊnɪəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. (in the modern world) political control by an outside power of a country that is in theory sovereign and independent, esp through the domination of its economy

neocolonialism

1. The dominance of strong nations over weak nations, not by direct political control (as in traditional colonialism ), but by economic and cultural influence.

Derived Forms

• ˌneocoˈlonialist, noun
• ˌneocoˈlonial, adjective

Other Words From

• neo·co·loni·al neo·co·loni·al·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of neocolonialism¹

First recorded in 1960–65; neo- + colonialism

Example Sentences

For this maneuver to succeed, however, the end of French neocolonialism proved crucial.

From Salon

In his article previewing the summit, Mr. Putin portrayed himself as a champion of the African struggle to cast off the “bitter legacy of colonialism and neocolonialism.”

From New York Times

As Prince of Wales, he audibly opposed Western neocolonialism.

From Washington Post

In creating this intricate narrative, were you drawing from specific historical events pertinent to Burundi or larger ideas about neocolonialism in Africa?

From New York Times

First is what the economist Thomas Piketty called the transition from “brutal colonialism” to “neocolonialism through debt.”

From New York Times