What does the term "colonialism" refer to?

The term "colonialism" refers specifically to the practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies, which involves establishing control over a foreign territory and its population. This often includes the settlement of people from the colonizing country and the exploitation of the resources of the colony for the benefit of the colonizer. Colonialism typically entails a power imbalance where the colonizing country exercises significant dominance over the colonized region, impacting its political, social, and economic structures.

Colonialism is distinct from merely gaining economic control, as it encompasses a broader scope of actions, including territorial acquisition and governance over another population. Similarly, while agreements between nations can be part of international relations, they do not necessarily involve the direct control implied by colonialism. Lastly, cultural integration through trade represents a form of interaction and exchange but lacks the decisive elements of control and domination that define colonial practices. These distinctions clarify why the correct understanding of colonialism focuses on the acquisition and maintenance of colonies.