Imperialism and Humanitarianism: Fraternal Twins?

AP Euro
February 24, 2009
Lauren Berry

Imperialism and Humanitarianism: Fraternal Twins?

Imperialism and Humanitarianism are often placed in separate spheres. However, maybe these two concepts are much more similar than we know them to be. Imperialism is defined as “the practice of extending the power, control or rule by one country over areas outside its borders.” On the other hand, Humanitarianism is defined as “an active belief in the value of human life, whereby humans practice benevolent treatment and provide assistance to other humans, in order to better humanity for both moral and logical reasons.” These two practices are defined completely different, yet both involve the act of helping those in need. So, where do we draw the line? It is easy to argue that these two ideologies are completely different, yet they in fact share many similar ideas. Both practices follow similar ideologies by entering impoverished nations in hopes of injecting change within the society. However, this comparison goes no further because Imperialism uses force while Humanitarianism doesn’t. Imperialism, unlike Humanitarianism involves a greedy mindset. For example, Humanitarians come into the impoverished nation with the goal to better the lives of the society, without any strings attached. However, Imperialism calls for an unfair relationship between the society and the transitional government. Unable to speak their voice, the nation is bombarded by new ideas thrown in by the new government. Imperialism calls for a complete change to occur throughout society by force, while Humanitarianism allows for problems to be fixed and mended through peaceful acts. Humanitarianism doesn’t imply for strings to be attached, but rather it is an unselfish act. Humanitarianism is a practice that isn’t seeking power or in want of control. On the other hand, Imperialism acts as a greedy, power seeking practice that in turn creates an unfair relationship between the powerful and the powerless. In class the other day, Ms. Pugliese read from a book that argued that Humanitarianism and Imperialism are similar, but I have to disagree with the author. I think Imperialism and Humanitarianism are fraternal twins. Though they seem to have similar qualities, the intentions behind the acts are different. It’s simple: Humanitarians have good intentions, while Imperialists do not.