Ramon Grosfoguel, a prominent scholar in decolonial studies, argues that the concept of “decolonization” in the 20th century is largely a myth. He contends that while many former colonies gained political independence, the underlying structures of power and knowledge that were established during colonialism remained largely intact.1

Here’s why Grosfoguel believes decolonization was largely a myth:

• Neocolonialism: Even after political independence, many former colonies continued to be economically and politically dependent on their former colonizers.2 This neocolonialism perpetuated economic inequalities and maintained the dominance of Western powers in global affairs.3
• Cultural Imperialism: Despite political independence, many former colonies continued to be dominated by Western cultural norms, values, and knowledge systems.4 This “cultural imperialism” led to the marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems and the internalization of colonial values within postcolonial societies.5
• Epistemic Colonialism: Grosfoguel argues that a key aspect of decolonization that was largely unaddressed was “epistemic colonialism.” This refers to the continued dominance of Western knowledge systems, including science, philosophy, and social sciences, within academia and global discourse.6 This dominance marginalizes and silences alternative ways of knowing, including those of indigenous and marginalized communities.7
• The Myth of “Modernity”: Grosfoguel criticizes the concept of “modernity” as a Eurocentric construct that assumes a linear progression of history, with Europe as the pinnacle of human development. This “myth of modernity” obscures the diverse and complex histories and experiences of non-Western societies.

Grosfoguel argues that true decolonization requires a fundamental rethinking of global power relations and knowledge production. It requires a critical examination of the legacies of colonialism and a concerted effort to dismantle the structures that continue to perpetuate inequality and marginalization.8

Key Points:

• Grosfoguel’s critique of decolonization highlights the ongoing impact of colonialism on global power dynamics.
• He emphasizes the importance of addressing not only political independence but also the deeper structures of power that continue to shape global inequalities.
• His work has significantly contributed to the growing field of decolonial studies, which seeks to challenge Eurocentric perspectives and promote more equitable and inclusive global relations.