The Exploitation of the Global South

by Jaskaran Bajwa

As members of a developed society, we are used to the great amenities provided to us by our country and companies. Some of these amenities include freshwater, indoor plumbing, developed markets, and large supermarkets with more products than we could ever experience. While most of us take these for granted, it is impossible to ignore where these amenities come from and to whose back they are being built. It is a widely held belief that rich countries such as the United States and Europe help poor countries, but is it really true.

In a supermarket, it is impossible to ignore the tags that state “made in China” or “made in Vietnam.” More likely than not, the product that you are using has been made in horrible working conditions by people earning pennies as their wage. Sweatshop workers are what comes to mind. While sweatshops are a perfect example of exploitation, today exploitation goes deeper, entering the very fabric of a nation. The best example of this is modern imperialism, or for lack of better words, the enslaving of third-world countries.

China has recently made large strides in Africa, as large amounts of money have been pouring into the country through investments and infrastructure projects. One example of China’s new imperialism is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. China has recently given large loans of money to build new mines and improve old ones. It is common to see child labor and forced labor in these mines, and people are paid pennies to risk their lives working this dangerous job.. In return, China is given privileged status when it comes to receiving resources by the country. According to the Atlantic, “China will get almost 11 million tons of copper and 620,000 tons of cobalt, which it will extract over the next 25 years—a ‘resource for infrastructure’ swap…” This exploitation has continued well into other African countries. In Zambia, China has built up a new infrastructure for the mining of copper, where they also have a privileged status, but it has had little effect. Few Zambians have been lifted out of poverty and most of the country still suffers as China enjoys vast wealth.

China’s exploitation continues well into other aspects of Africa. One very scary encroachment is in the internal political affairs of Africa. China recently constructed the parliament building for Zimbabwe and is underway in two other nations at “no cost.” Many viewers are worried about what the consequences of the “no-cost” agreement will be. This comes at a time when tensions between China and the United States have reached unprecedented levels. Many see China’s involvement in Africa as a sign that they are beginning to recruit allies to their side. The effects of the large loans given by China and the newly formed alliances have yet to be seen.

China is just one country that exploits third-world countries, but what about countries that seem to have spotless records? One country that I guarantee never comes to mind is France. France at one point in a time controlled the largest portion of Africa at the height of its colonial power. The effects can still be seen today as many countries in West and Central Africa have French as their official language. There are also many African immigrants on French soil today.

(French President Emmanuel Macron in Africa)

Today, many African countries use the CFA currency also known as Central African France. This currency was set up by France after its colonies declared independence from them. This currency unlike other currencies could not be controlled by themselves, but instead would be controlled by France. Italy's minister of foreign affairs stated, “France is one of those countries that by printing money for 14 African states prevents their economic development” Today fifty percent of the CFA country's currency reserves go directly into the hands of the French treasury per international law and agreements. Unlike other countries, which can devalue their currencies to attack investment, the CFA nations cannot do that without French approval. This system hampers the development in these countries and causes them to be pulled down by the shackles of the currency. Many nations have criticized France for their actions including Italy, but France remains steadfast in its position. Economic exploitation is nothing new for France, in the past, they have done much worse. From nuclear testing in Algeria to massacres in other nations, France must face its colonial past.

France is not alone in these exploitations. Many countries exploit others, but it must come to an end. The effects will be devastating as countries continue to be pulled back from moving forward. It is unfortunate we live in a time like this, but as people of a privileged state, it is important we are aware of the state of the rest of the world.