Internal Colonialism and Democracy

This essay examines the relationship between African American internal colonialism and democracy, highlighting complexities of democracy that make it both susceptible to oppressive violence at home abroad, as well a potential resource for emancipation equality. I understand “internal colonialism” here encompass various terms used by Americans beginning in 1830s, including semi-colonialism, domestic colonialism, nation within nation. Much political philosophy assumes society is “nearly just” or “generally just,” oppression injustice are found societies we nonetheless deem legitimate. Centering possibilities instead shifts focus how compatible with injustice, their overcoming. Such leads consideration abolition question what process overcoming demands.