What are three characteristics of imperialism (positive and/or negative) how are these characteristics manifested themselves in various,?

1. Importation of capital into the colony. This is positive because it saves the native population from having to accumulate that capital by their own savings and delayed gratification; e.g. railways in Burma and India.
2. Free trade between other peoples of the same imperial power; and often free trade with any other country, for example Singapore and Hong Kong. This is positive because it increases the wealth of everyone who participates.
3. Use of armed force to defend the colonial trade, which is positive so far as it defends against aggression. Sometimes use of armed force to aggress and attack to extend the empire. This is negative as it benefits the aggressors at the expense of human society in general who would have benefited more from voluntary transactions, which are mutually beneficial.

Notice how the beneficial aspects come overwhelmingly from private property and voluntary i.e. market transactions; whereas the anti-social aspects come overwhelmingly from the State and its monopoly of force.

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