Morality and Ethics of Imperialism

[CyberianKnight]

I just wanted to see what people's viewpoints are on the moral and ethical ramifications of imperialism. Is it morally justifiable to work towards becoming a world hegemon for internal gains or for a universal cause (eg forcing the acceptance of liberal ideals for other people's own good whilst at the same time ensuring the survival of a liberal society in the aspirant country through economic, military and political domination. Another example would be the idea of world communism as opposed to liberalism as the universal cause etc.)

So in summary, given the history as well as living examples of imperalism, can we justify it as we are its benefactors (materialistically speaking) and what moral grounds to fight it do non-benefactors have against it given that they too may have similar aspirations?

Fire away

[neoolong]

By definition imperialism is the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foregin countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.

If the people of a particular nation wants another country to rule over them, say because of a harsh and evil dictator, then it wouldn't be morally wrong for that other country to take over leadership. However, imperialism usually doesn't work this way and ususally ends up with the other country becoming the imperialist's bitch, which is ususally not moral or ethical.