The article “Colonizer democracy” by Mesfin Arega argues that settler colonial states, like the U.S. and apartheid South Africa, establish democracies meant exclusively for colonizers, ultimately devolving into oligarchies due to rising inequality. Initially, these democracies serve the interests of a specific group—WASPs in America and Afrikaners in South Africa—leading to systemic racism and exclusion of other groups.
As resistance to this dominance grows, these societies suppress dissent and enforce laws benefitting the wealthy, creating an increasing divide between rich and poor colonizers. The disparity fuels resentment, potentially sparking rebellion against the ruling oligarchs who manipulate governance to protect their interests, often using psychological tools like white supremacism to prevent unity among marginalized groups.
The piece critiques American history, highlighting the hypocrisy of the founding figures who professed equality while maintaining slavery and systemic exclusion. Historical moments, such as the Civil Rights Movement, are portrayed as reactions to attempts at inclusion, leading to further retrenchment towards oligarchy.
The author argues that the trajectory from democracy to oligarchy is rooted in the settler colonial nature of the state, leading to an autocratic system dominated by a few wealthy individuals. The ongoing political landscape is depicted as a symptom of this inevitable decline into oligarchy influenced by figures like Trump and Thiel, with the author suggesting that true change can only come from organized rebellion against this oppressive system. The conclusion emphasizes the potential for Black Americans to spearhead a movement to dismantle and rebuild a more equitable society.
