Question.2446 - 1. How did the doctrine of "environmental determinism" support European rationale for conquest in other parts of the world? 2. What is the role of transnational corporations in neocolonialism?
Answer Below:
1. How did the doctrine of "environmental determinism" support European rationale for conquest in other parts of the world? Environmental determinism refers to the belief that the physical setting of a region or country, such as its landscape and climatic conditions, decides the pattern of human activities and social growth. (Knox & Marston, 2016, pp. 75) Environmental determinism has been blamed for the European settler’s colonial expansion. Famous geographers claimed that those civilizations that are set in temperate climates with distinct seasonal variations and varied weather but without the long extreme heat, humidity or cold are more successful and developed than tropical climates that tend to restrict its inhabitants vitality. (Knox & Marston, 2016, pp. 75) Such a doctrine encouraged the European settlers to legitimise colonialism, racism and imperialism of America, Africa and Asia. The doctrine scientifically justified the superiority of European settlers and reinstated the native people of Africa, America and other colonies as uncivilized, as their tropical climates encouraged them to become lazy, possess careless attitude and deteriorating civilization. Thus, environmental determinism acted as tool through which Europeans considered themselves superior to other regions in hotter climatic zones and fulfilled their desire of colonial expansion. 2. What is the role of transnational corporations in neocolonialism? Neo-colonialism are those financial and political policies through which strong states in core economies indirectly preserve or outspread their impact over other region or individuals. (Knox & Marston, 2016, pp. 75) Transnational corporations are organisations that become giant organisations within core economies by eliminating small business entities. However, soon these corporation become multinational as they invest in international companies, creating subsidiary companies, taking over foreign companies and taking part in activities that span across domestic boundaries. Transnational corporations encourage imperialism as they rose to their huge stature by eliminating small businesses, which give them immense power to adversely impact other marginal states in the world. In the globalised world, the transnational companies control majority of the foreign affiliates and comprise around 11 percent of the world Gross Domestic Product and one-third of the world exports. (Knox & Marston, 2016, pp. 76) References - Knox, P. L. & Marston, S. A. (2016). Human geography: Places and regions in global context. New York: Pearson.
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