Globalization’s intrinsic colonialist and white views furthers marginalization of the Global South

Sociohistorical context is crucial when examining globalization as a racial project. Taking such a perspective illuminates several factors, which can be viewed as contributing to the role of race in globalization. First, globalization arose alongside the neoliberal era in the 1970s. Globalization and its attendant neoliberal economic policies spread throughout the world largely under the hand of global economic institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank (Ritzer, 2010). These economic policies have brought demonstrably more wealth to countries considered to be part of the global North, while the global South has suffered from exploitation and marginalization (Bosworth, Bowling & Lee, 2008). This North-South divide is deeply connected to race, with the global North connected to wealth and whiteness, while the global South is linked to poverty and non-whiteness (Winant, 2004). This divide perpetuates a global system of stratification where race is correlated with health, income and educational outcomes. Second, globalization itself is grounded in a historical legacy of racism. Globalization centers whiteness as the pillars of the world in terms of economic, social and cultural power, and may be viewed as an outlet for the imposition of white supremacy (Karenga, 2003). A hierarchical global structure is created which prioritizes the worth and status of certain people over others. Globalization embodies this racism through its imposition. Historically this imposition is demonstrated by colonialism and imperialism, which is directly linked with racism (Winant, 2004). The imperialism of the past is continued today through globalization, albeit in a new and distinct manner. Winant (2004) notes of this change that: Rather than send their troops to dictate policy, break strikes, or enforce the superexploitation of labor, they [post-imperial powers] use financial instruments: the threat to withhold credit if strikes are not broken, or perhaps if education and public health budgets are not cut. Using intermediaries like the IMF, they control commerce, finance, labor practices and social policy. (p. 134) Today, the imposition of capitalism worldwide has meant that in order for countries to receive aid from global economic institutions, their economies must be structured in accordance with neoliberal ideology. It can then be seen how structural adjustment programs (SAPs) put in place globally increase economic inequality, erode social welfare and democracy, and overlook the unique needs of a country (Abouharb & Cingranelli, 2010; Babb, 2010; Glassman & Carmondy, 2010). It is through this coercive economic approach, justified by free market neoliberal ideology, that the process of “subduing ‘others’, tutoring them in the ‘higher values’ of advanced ‘civilization’, and also squeezing their resources and/or labour out of them” occurs in the global South and East (Winant, 2006, p. 992). In regard to the enduring effects of globalization, as long as capital is linked with race, so too will economic exploitation be linked to racial oppression (Leonardo, 2002). Finally, global racism is expressed through institutional arrangements (Karenga, 2003). This racism is then conveyed through ideologies that are globally transmitted and justify the acts of globalization. The role of global institutions in disseminating such ideology is closely aligned with neoliberalism and the American racial order. Indeed, discourse utilized by the World Bank showcases this through the promotion of American-centric free market economy ideologies, which are stated to support good race relations (Bonnett, 2006). The use of neoliberalism within such institutions allows for an easy incorporation of colorblind ideology, and both philosophies work to justify globalization. Harvey (2005) notes, “neoliberal rhetoric, with its foundational emphasis upon individual freedoms, has the power to split off libertarianism, identity politics, multiculturalism and eventually narcissistic consumerism from the social forces ranged in pursuit of social justice through the conquest of state power” (p. 41). The combination of colorblind ideology and neoliberalism within globalization acts as a powerful force to hide and justify globalization’s acts of racism, while also hindering anti-racist movement’s development.