neocolonialism

American  

[nee-oh-kuh-loh-nee-uh-liz-uhm] / ˌni oʊ kəˈloʊ ni əˌlɪz əm /

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.

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neocolonialism British  

/ 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

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neocolonialism Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• neocolonial
  noun
• neocolonial
  adjective
• neocolonialist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of neocolonialism

First recorded in 1960–65; neo- + colonialism

Explanation

Use the political term neocolonialism to describe the use of capitalism and social pressures by a large country to control a smaller country. The word neocolonialism basically means "a new kind of colonialism," and colonialism is when one country controls another, often using violence. This new kind of colonialism uses non-military ways of gaining control, mostly through economic means, and often makes use of the poorer country's resources in a way that leaves its people dependent on the richer country — and also ensures they'll remain poor.

Example Sentences

Aid became a bastion of paternalism or, as some came to see it, neocolonialism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

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

From Salon • Oct. 22, 2023

They also said past legal challenges to Dutch fiscal edicts and claims of neocolonialism have been struck down by local courts.

From Washington Post • Mar. 10, 2021

I have eavesdropped on grad students presenting dissertations about the subtext of neocolonialism in my writing. 

From Scientific American • Apr. 25, 2013

The suit was joined by Survie, an organization that opposes neocolonialism, and the Fédération des Congolais de la Diaspora.

From New York Times • Aug. 23, 2012