Cartierism, named after the French journalist Raymond Cartier, is a foreign policy doctrine rooted in a simple, yet profound, observation: colonialism is no longer a profitable endeavor. It’s not just about the moral bankruptcy of subjugating other peoples; it’s about the hard-nosed calculation of costs and benefits.
In the bygone era, colonies were seen as cash cows, tethered to the metropoles, funneling raw materials and resources while serving as captive markets for manufactured goods. But times changed. The winds of anti-colonialism swept across the globe, and the economic calculus flipped. Maintaining empires became a drag on the balance sheets of European powers.
Cartier, a keen observer of the post-war world, saw this shift clearly. He wasn’t advocating for altruism or sudden love for the colonized. He was a realist, a pragmatist. He argued that the human and financial costs of clinging to colonies far outweighed any economic gains. The wars, rebellions, and administrative burdens were simply not worth it.
Cartierism wasn’t just about letting go; it was about a clean break. No more messy neo-colonial entanglements, no more veiled manipulations. This was about genuine decolonization, about recognizing the right of former colonies to chart their own destinies.
Now, the term “Cartierism” can be interpreted in different ways. Some see it as a cynical abandonment of responsibility, a hasty retreat in the face of inevitable decline. Others view it as a necessary step towards a more just and equitable world order.
Here are some key aspects of Cartierism:
- Economic pragmatism: Colonies are no longer reliable sources of cheap labor or guaranteed markets. They can be costly liabilities, draining resources and manpower.
- Anti-colonial realism: The moral bankruptcy of colonialism is undeniable, but Cartierism emphasizes the practical reasons for letting go. It’s not about guilt; it’s about recognizing a failed system.
- Focus on national interest: Cartierism argues that maintaining colonies weakens the metropole’s own economy and stability. It’s a call for inward reflection and prioritizing domestic concerns.
- Decolonization as a process: It’s not just about granting independence; it’s about dismantling colonial structures and fostering genuine self-determination.
Cartierism’s impact can be seen across the decolonization landscape. It influenced the policies of France, Belgium, and others, leading to the dismantling of vast empires. It was a factor in the Cold War calculations, where both sides sought to avoid costly colonial quagmires.
However, Cartierism also has its critiques. Some argue that it absolves the colonizers of their responsibility for the exploitation and suffering inflicted. Others point out that decolonization wasn’t always smooth, with many former colonies facing neo-colonialism and internal strife.
Cartierism remains a relevant concept in today’s world. As we grapple with issues of global power dynamics, resource extraction, and interventionism, its core tenets – economic pragmatism, anti-colonialism, and national interest – continue to resonate.
Ultimately, Cartierism is not a rigid doctrine; it’s a starting point for a critical conversation. It’s an invitation to question the narratives of colonial superiority and to objectively assess the costs and benefits of foreign entanglements. It’s a call for a more just and equitable world order, where nations, former colonies and metropoles alike, can chart their own independent courses.
In conclusion,
Cartierism offers a valuable lens through which to examine the complex relationship between former colonizers and the colonized. It’s a reminder that the simplistic narratives of “civilizing missions” and economic benefits often mask the harsh realities of domination and exploitation. By engaging with Cartierism, we can move beyond romanticized notions of empire and delve into the hard-nosed calculations that ultimately led to decolonization. It’s a necessary step towards understanding the past, reckoning with its consequences, and building a more just future.
