The Latin American countries have for a long time waged war against imperialism and neo-colonialism by the developed countries. In the heart of neo-colonialism is capitalist imperialism that is characterized by predatory activities of countries that seek to reap big from the less developed country’s resources. Despite the fact that Canada does not regard itself as a capitalistic nation, its large-scale involvement in mining investments in Latin America gives quite a different picture. The mining industry has always been frowned upon and although it is one of the most lucrative businesses, its eventual effect on the population and the environment is degrading, saying the least. People are disposed of their lands, and the land is degraded. Mining Corporations, therefore, and not surprisingly, have often been confronted with resistance from the host communities. This kind of resistance is what the article Imperialism and Resistance: Canadian mining companies in Latin America sought to address
Penetration of Canadian mining industry, which is currently the largest in the world, into the Latin America’s land coincided and was only comparable to the massive reforms against neoliberalism in the late 80s and 90s. The reforms sought to reclaim the previously privatised resources that the Latin Americans felt had been grabbed from them. Canada, being one of the greatest beneficiaries was the target of most of the anti-imperialist scuffles.
The resistance of the Latin American countries is well founded and long overdue. The host countries, from the data collected, do not seem to enjoy any tangible benefits. Even the most mundane local expectations, like employment opportunities, have been thwarted. The hosts are now crying foul. Ironically, mineral production has an inverse proportional effect on employment rates. Poverty in most mining zones exceeds the national average. The data provided by the authors of the article is beyond reproach, having been extracted from highly reliable sources. While the thesis of the article seems too harsh on Canada, a country lauded for shunning capitalism, the facts of the case are heart wrenchingly undeniable. The demands of the Latin Americans are simple, they want to reclaim their privatised natural resources so that they can finally reap their rightful benefits. The authors are successful in highlighting the social injustice of owning without enjoying the benefits of natural resources and how this has fundamental implications on human rights.
Bibliography
Arsenault, Chris. 2006. "Digging Up Canadian Dirt in Colombia." https://canadiandimension.com. October 29. Accessed February 4, 2016. https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/digging-up-canadian-dirt-in-colombia-chris-arsenault.
Gordon, Todd, and Jefrey Webber. 2008. "Imperialism and Resistance: Canadian mining companies in Latin America’." Third World Quarterly 63-87.
