In a well-written essay explain how have developed Western countries affected non-western developing nations during the modern period. Explain how three political, economic and/or cultural approaches by European and other Western countries shaped the developing world over the last 250 years.
Since the modern period, Western countries have significantly affected non-western developing nations in several ways. The impact of the Western world on the developing world dates back to the colonial period, and it has since been a considerable challenge faced by developing countries. This essay aims to explore how Western countries have affected non-western developing nations during the modern period. Additionally, it will explain how three political, economic, and cultural approaches by European and other Western countries have shaped the developing world in the last 250 years.
Western countries came with the intention of exploiting the developing world’s resources. During the colonial period, Western countries used their power and resources to control non-Western countries and colonize them. They implemented a system of governance that left the natives of these countries with no say regarding their country's development. For instance, the British Empire colonized India, and their political approach was to ensure that the Indian natives had minimal participation in the country's governance. This approach weakened the political institutions of India and reduced the country's ability to govern themselves even after colonization.
In addition to political control, Western countries introduced economic systems that significantly affected non-western countries. For example, the introduction of the wage economy in countries such as Africa meant that natives were forced to work in mines and plantations, all the while earning meager wages. This economic approach saw the development of some African countries’ economies, but it only benefitted the Western world. Countries that relied on the production of goods for trade or had an abundance of natural resources also suffered during the colonial period. Western countries controlled the production of these goods and set a low price that only benefitted them. For example, Tanzania's economy was heavily based on trading ivory and rubber, but the Western world set the price of these goods to be low, depriving the country of much-needed revenue.
Cultural approaches taken by Western countries have also heavily shaped the world's developing nations. These approaches mainly include the introduction of western culture in developing countries. The Western world found it necessary to westernize the non-western countries, which resulted in the loss of their culture. Many countries either willingly or unwillingly adopted western culture, including dressing, language, and religion. This approach harmed the locals, as they were unable to identify with their own culture.
In conclusion, Western countries' impact on non-western developing nations during the modern period has been immense. Western countries have exploited developing nations’ resources and introduced different approaches that weakened these countries’ political, economic, and even cultural institutions. The three approaches explored here highlight how political control, economic exploitation, and cultural westernization have left non-western developing nations in a state of underdevelopment. However, recent decades have seen some progress towards undoing the damages caused by Western countries, particularly in promoting the development of these nations. It is hoped that these efforts will continue to uplift and empower people in the developing world.
Step 1: Introduction
Over the last 250 years, Western countries have had a significant impact on the development of non-Western developing nations. Through various political, economic, and cultural approaches, European and other Western countries have shaped the trajectory of the developing world. This essay will discuss three key factors – political, economic, and cultural – highlighting their effects on non-Western developing nations during the modern period.
Step 2: Political Approaches
European and other Western nations have exerted political influence on non-Western developing nations through colonization, imperialism, and interventionism. Colonization involved the establishment of Western governance structures, which often marginalized local populations and extracted resources for the benefit of colonizers. Imperialism further deepened this relationship, with Western powers controlling key aspects of non-Western societies, such as the economy, administration, and law.
Interventionism, another political approach, saw Western countries exert their influence on non-Western developing nations to advance their interests. This often took the form of military interventions or supporting coup d'états to install sympathetic governments. The consequences of these political approaches included political instability, loss of sovereignty, and the disruption of social and economic structures.
Step 3: Economic Approaches
European and other Western countries have also impacted non-Western developing nations economically. This has primarily occurred through economic exploitation, trade policies, and financial dominance. During the colonial era, Western powers systematically exploited natural resources, labor, and markets in non-Western countries. This resulted in the extraction of wealth and the underdevelopment of local economies.
Trade policies, such as unequal treaties and tariffs, favored Western countries' interests at the expense of non-Western developing nations. Western countries often flooded non-Western markets with cheap goods, hindering local industries. Additionally, financial dominance through institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund has compelled non-Western countries to adopt economic policies that benefit Western interests, leading to dependency and suboptimal development strategies.
Step 4: Cultural Approaches
Cultural approaches have also shaped the developing world through Westernization, cultural imperialism, and the diffusion of Western values and norms. Westernization refers to the adoption of Western cultural elements by non-Western societies. This can be seen in the spread of Western fashion, language, and technologies. While cultural exchange can bring benefits, it also poses challenges to the preservation of local traditions and identities.
Cultural imperialism occurs when Western cultural values and practices dominate and marginalize non-Western cultures. This can lead to a loss of cultural diversity, increased homogeneity, and a devaluation of indigenous knowledge and practices. The diffusion of Western values and norms, often through media and education systems, has influenced social structures, gender roles, and political ideologies in non-Western developing nations.
Step 5: Conclusion
In conclusion, European and other Western nations have molded the development of non-Western developing nations through political, economic, and cultural approaches over the last 250 years. The consequences of these approaches have been both positive and negative, with non-Western countries experiencing political instability, economic exploitation, and cultural transformation. Recognizing and understanding these historical dynamics is crucial for comprehending the contemporary challenges faced by non-Western developing nations. Efforts should be made to promote fair and equitable relationships between Western and non-Western countries, aiming for mutual benefit and sustainable development.