Africans Must Wake Up: Imperialism is a Paper Tiger

Premium Times, a leading voice in Nigerian journalism, presents a stark critique of modern imperialism, arguing that global powers have shed all pretense of adhering to international rules. The piece contends that interventions in countries like Venezuela, Libya, Iraq, and Syria, and the current focus on Iran's resources, are not about upholding order but about naked resource extraction and control, echoing 19th-century gunboat diplomacy.

Drawing on historical examples from the Korean War to Afghanistan, the article highlights the immense human cost of this 'American hegemony,' estimating over 40 million deaths since World War II. The guiding principle, it asserts, is extractivism – the relentless pursuit of resources.

Despite this grim assessment, the author finds a glimmer of hope in Chairman Mao Zedong's assertion that "American imperialism is a paper tiger." This perspective suggests that while appearing formidable, US global power is fundamentally weak due to its detachment from its own people and widespread international disapproval. This notion is particularly relevant for African nations, which have historically been subjected to imperialist tactics.

The article further delves into how imperialism historically operated in Africa through a 'divide and rule' strategy. Colonial powers deliberately fostered divisions among African peoples, categorizing them into narrow tribal or ethnic groups to prevent unity against oppressors. This strategy created internal ruptures and collaborators, as seen in Nigeria where certain aristocratic groups were positioned as 'natural rulers' over others. This historical context is crucial for understanding contemporary challenges and resisting neo-imperialist tendencies.

“

Now U.S. imperialism is quite powerful, but in reality, it isn’t. It is very weak politically because it is divorced from the masses of the people and is disliked by everybody and by the American people too. In appearance it is very powerful but in reality, it is nothing to be afraid of, it is a paper tiger. Outwardly a tiger, it is made of paper, unable to withstand the wind and the rain. I believe the United States is nothing but a paper tiger.