Congo for the Taking... Imperialism, Idealism and Realism

Congo’s History as a case study of Imperialism and Neocolonialism, 19th Century to the present.

“The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much. What redeems it is the idea only.” Joseph Conrad.Congo has a rich legacy of such Imperial Ideas: Protection from Arab Slave Traders, Development, Civilization, Christianity, Commerce, Paternalism, Racism, Anti-Communism, Great Power Rivalry, Capitalism, Humanitarianism, Peace Keeping, Independence, Self Determination, Structural Adjustment Programs, Neoliberalism, Pursuing Genocidaires... but what was really at the back of it? “It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale”, Joseph Conrad.

Africa is one the West's richest neocolonial projects and Congo is the heart of that darkness.

Quotes from "Heart of Darkness" are used throughout this presentation to illustrate the continuity of Imperial policy from Leopold's Congo to the present.

Suggested book and documentary:

"There Will be Blood" by Judi Rever

BBC Documentary, "Rwanda's Untold Story"