[bsanr2]

>An Israeli/American-owned telecommunications company tries to oust the dominant Liberian-owned company in Liberia, using unsavory tactics meant to shame and humiliate the latter and its users, eventually hoping to sell out to a French telecommunications giant. Oh, and then they just straight-up hack/DDOS them.

I'd like to introduce the term "neo-colonialism" to the discussion.

[throwaway_tech]

>I'd like to introduce the term "neo-colonialism" to the discussion.

I am curious if you are aware of the context of colonialism with respect to Liberia.

Oddly, many aren't aware, but Liberia was founded as a colony by the American Colonization Society in an attempt to return freed slaves back to Africa.

Although the number of US slaves that colonized Liberia was pretty limited in number (and a minority compared to the number of natives) they took power, and the Country has essentially existed in a state of civil war between the freed slaves (colonists) as minority rulers and the natives who did not view the freed US slaves as Africans.

[bsanr2]

I am. As another user mentioned, Liberia was essentially colonized by a Western power. It's a shocking example of the virulence of the culture of exploitation that pervaded the Americas at the time.

[throwaway_tech]

>It's a shocking example of the virulence of the culture of exploitation that pervaded the Americas at the time.

Well I think there were both good and bad intentions.

For example, you have Lincoln who of course most would consider an advocate of the abolition of the practice of slavery in the US. And Lincoln supported the American Colonization Society initially, even into the War, but eventually changed his position after speaking with African-American soldiers in his Army (imagine that a politician changing their position on a matter without being ridiculed as a flip-flopper).

On its face without knowing more I think one might think establishing a colony in Africa for freed slaves may have been a noble cause, like Lincoln did at one time, and its not like there weren't a few thousand who took the offer.

Now in practice of course the Whites from the American Colonization Society were the rulers and then the power shifted to the freed US slaves, but of course to the local population they weren't fans of their colonizers white or black.

[edoo]

The Vice documentary on the cannibal warlords of Liberia is quite shocking. The slaves that were expatriated from America to Liberia promptly enslaved the local population with a nearly identical system to the one they had been taught to live under as slaves.

[throwaway_tech]

If you are interest in the subject I recommend reading "The Evolution of Deadly Conflict in Liberia: From 'Paternaltarianism' to State Collapse"

[atlasunshrugged]

Any idea where to get it without paying an arm and a leg? I see it on Amazon for $199 and then for subscription via a few journals from a quick search

[throwaway_tech]

Wow, sorry its something I read about 15 years ago and when I bought it then it was probably in the $19 range.

I checked out Dr. Levitt's website and it was listed for $45, but the buy link just redirects to Amazon where the book is listed used for $199 as you say.

Try contacting Dr. Levitt through his website http://drjeremylevitt.com/, let him know its a topic you are interested in and a former law student from FIU Law recommended the book, he may be able to assist.

[gen_greyface]

> in an attempt to return freed slaves back to Africa.

Is that why it is called Liberia?

[pergadad]

Indeed. And the capital Monrovia after president Monroe.

[blotter_paper]

I'll see your "neo-colonialism" and up you one "techno-colonialism".

[bufferoverflow]

It's a classic hostile takeover. No new terms needed.

[vorpalhex]

Can I have the phrase "missing the forest through the trees"?