The Political Economy of Imperialism, Decolonization and Development

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_AD7E2ECB8AA7
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Title
The Political Economy of Imperialism, Decolonization and Development
Journal
British Journal of Political Science
Author(s)
Gartzke E., Rohner D.
ISSN
0007-1234
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2011
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
41
Number
3
Pages
525-556
Language
english
Abstract
Nations have historically sought power and prosperity through control of physical space. In recent decades, however, this has largely ceased. Most states that could do so appear relucant, while the weak cannot expand. This article presents a theory of imperialism and decolonization that explains both historic cycles of expansion and decline and the collective demise of the urge to colonize. Technological shocks enable expansion, while rising labour costs and the dynamics of military technology gradually dilute imperial advantage. Simultaneously, economic development leads to a secular decline in payoffs for appropriating land, minerals and capital. Once conquest no longer pays great powers, the systemic imperative to integrate production vertically also becomes archaic.
Web of science
Create date
12/10/2012 14:59
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:17
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