Imperial Repertoires of Power

Both Burbank’s chapter “Imperial Repertoires and Myths of Modern Colonialism” and the film “The Battle of Algiers” illustrate an embodiment of modern colonialism, and its gradual transfiguration into a bevy/constellation of nation-states. The imperial structures of the 19th century pioneered a novel definition of what constitutes an ‘empire’. Not only did modern empires rule over far more vast, expansive territories that were turned into colonies– but societally, technologically, economically, ethically, and intellectually demonstrate a marked departure from previous empires. New waves of industrialization catapulted western ethnocentrism and a rise in racial segregation. Scientific developments and new modes of transportation– such as railroads, steam engines, telegraphs, machine gun weaponry, and vaccines– allowed Westerners to explore other territories at an immensely more rapid speed. Such technological innovations allowed Europeans to quickly access the Chinese empire and ‘discover’ the North Americas. It also fueled the widespread European belief of being superior to other cultures. Western colonies justified their invasions of other territories by perpetuating an ethical ideology of being the ‘chosen’ people responsible for bringing European developments to tame these savages– claiming that it was the ‘white man’s burden’ to civilize the locals on indigenous lands. By spinning an ethical narrative to their colonial agenda, empires such as Great Britain, France, Portugal, and Spain attempted to conquer and expand into other areas of the world. The interactions between different nations promulgated the circulation of goods, inventions, and thought/ideas. Such Eurocentric models of imperialism later influenced the Japanese to take after western colonization. 

One of the major themes that connected this week’s reading with the movie is the discriminatory attitudes that European imperialists held toward colonized groups. In the film, it can be argued that Colonel Mathieu was the epitome of European sophistication and values. He is handsome, dignified, and charismatic– with suave sunglasses and a confident swagger. Most importantly, he embodies the intellectual reason that the French pride themselves on, used even when defending methods of torture used to quell the Algerian rebellion. In contrast, the Algerians represent the common everyman. Unlike the French, most of the Algerians were illiterate and oppressed by the colonial system. Even the loosely organized guerrilla movements showcase that the fighting methods of Algerians were far less refined than that of European warfare. Yet, the power and passion of the masses led their revolutionary efforts to a triumphant win. The European disdain toward Algerian locals were evident in the film, with multiple scenes filled with discrimination. The film sets a perfect example of how internal conflict within a colony, often due to racists and classist undertones of being conquered, can lead to insurgence of the masses. Similar instances in history include China’s Boxer Rebellion, the Cuban Revolution, the US Independence from Great Britain, and many more.

China in the 19th century serves as another example of the theme of the racist treatment that European authorities inflected toward its subjects. Burbank discussed how weaknesses in imperial rule can lead to exploitation by foreign powers, such as China’s Opium Wars. The occupation of Western forces in China’s internal mainland, such as the creation of spheres of Influences, underscore the strained dynamics between colonizers and the colonized– in this case, China. The introduction of addictive goods, such as tea, coffee, sugar, opium, and other drugs serves as a predominant reason that led to the fall of the great Qing Dynasty. This is in part because the trade caused China to allow foreign nations entry into the mainland, rendering them vulnerable, and causing them to lapse into the indentured fetters of European powers. It also serves as the perfect example of conflict and imperial control of a country brought about by external means. The contemporary trade-war betweenChina and the US demonstrates the potency of Eurocentrism as China’s colossal economic growth poses a threat to other players in the global market. It shows that the impact of colonialism and the residual historical tensions continue to have a resounding effect on our current political climate– whether we’d like it to or not.

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