Understanding The Imperialist Worldview – Ibrahim Traore

There is a particular way that imperialist powers interpret the world a structure of thought that shapes how they engage with other nations and cultures. To them, the world resembles a triangle. This triangle often appears in their symbols and institutions, though its meaning might not be immediately clear to outsiders.

At the top of this triangle sits what they consider the “Empire of Good” a self-appointed seat of virtue, progress, and entitlement. They believe they embody all things prosperous and righteous, granting themselves the supposed right to dominate, dictate, and enjoy global wealth and happiness. This belief fuels their perceived duty to reshape the world in their image.

This was the justification during colonial times. When they arrived on foreign shores, they claimed to have “discovered” lands already inhabited by thriving peoples. They labeled the native populations as “primitive” or “indigenous,” separating themselves as the true “people.” In their eyes, only they possess rights; the rest of the world must conform.

At the base of this triangle lie two contrasting realms: the so-called “Empire of Evil” and the “Empire of Slaves.” The West views the “Empire of Evil” as an existential threat one to be dismantled or demonized. Take Russia, for example. A series of calculated moves destabilized the Soviet Union, with Gorbachev lured into policies like the Paulus Project, ultimately weakening the nation. The supposed “Empire of Good” celebrated this collapse until a figure like Vladimir Putin emerged to rebuild it.

Similarly, look at Iran economically strangled by global sanctions or the way Chinese products have long been ridiculed as cheap and inferior. Yet much of the world now depends on China for high-quality goods, many of which are simply rebranded and resold by Western nations. Still, the propaganda persists: only they produce excellence.

Then there’s Africa, which they mentally categorize as the “Empire of Slaves.” To them, our lands and resources are up for grabs. The idea of Africans standing tall, self-sufficient and defiant, is threatening to their narrative. They continue to push stereotypes that paint us as irrational, emotionally driven, and easily controlled. And yes, they’ve always found ways to pit us against each other.

This manipulation goes deep. Consider how we were taught to loathe our skin, our heritage. In Burkina Faso, blue once symbolized mourning, a sacred tradition. But we were told black represents sorrow, evil, and failure. We adopted their codes, even in grief.

It’s time to challenge this distorted triangle. Their worldview places them above, others as threats, and us beneath. We must understand it to unlearn it and to rise.

Written By: Omotade Kehinde