A Review of Colonialism, Imperialism, Capital and Labour: The Importance of Imagination

Abstract

This paper examines imperialism, including its historical roots, economic aspects, and the role of imagination in perpetuating imperialistic ideologies. It traces the history of colony formations from ancient civilisations to today’s global landscape and discusses various definitions of colonialism. The study assesses the ongoing relevance of Marxist thought in light of current geopolitical shifts and economic patterns. The study engages with the concept of imagination, as theorised by scholars like Edward Said and Vesna Goldsworthy, in understanding the cultural aspects of imperialism. The paper contends that the imperialist imagination, as manifested in literature and cultural discourse, plays a pivotal role in justifying interventions and shaping perceptions of colonised regions. The final section explores the philosophical and economic dimensions of imagination, as articulated by thinkers like Kant and Marx. It argues that imagination, inherent in human labour and creativity, resists easy commodification by Capital, offering a potential avenue for transformative resistance against the constraints of capitalist systems. The paper concludes by asserting the need for a holistic understanding of imperialism that acknowledges its historical, economic, and imaginative dimensions.