Indigenous Rights Under Threat in Colombia

The plight of the Colombian community of Tabaco, displaced by the Cerrejón coal mine's expansion under Exxon Mobil, reflects broader Indigenous struggles against extractivism, highlighting the ongoing fight for compensation and reconstruction in the face of colonialism. Meanwhile, the historical context of the American Revolution reveals it was a rejection of the mercantilist system that prioritized British economic control over the colonies, rather than merely a response to taxation. Modern discussions on trade trace back to fundamental economic theories like Adam Smith's, showcasing the evolution of trade policies from protectionism to free trade as essential for economic prosperity. Commodore Matthew Perry's 1853 expedition to Japan symbolizes the intersection of technological power and state sovereignty, illustrating how military and economic dominance are intertwined. In contemporary geopolitics, the U.S. is facing challenges to its economic sovereignty, particularly from China, as the global landscape shifts towards new alliances and trade frameworks. Lastly, the urgency for countries to unite against exploitative practices is underscored by current conflicts, notably in the Middle East, as nations seek alternatives to Western-led systems.