Dr Pamelia Riviere

Decolonial Thought: A Global Awakening Amidst the
Struggles of America and Israel in the Gaza and Iran Wars
“What Hitler did to Jews, Roma, and leftist groups was not an anomaly; it was a repeated
pattern seen across continents during European colonial times.” Richard Wolff

Anticolonial sentiment emerged worldwide in opposition to US hegemony, and Israel clearly
failed in its aggressive settler colonial efforts in Palestine, losing the Gaza and Iran Wars.
Grasping the complexities of the world beyond colonial narratives is crucial for politicians in
both the United States and Israel. The combination of religion and assertive settler colonialism to
form colonies is no longer effective in the modern era. Settler colonialism was historically
employed to invade and inhabit new lands, a strategy used for over two and a half centuries.

The mid-20th century witnessed extensive decolonization movements, especially across Asia and
Africa, as territories achieved independence. Anti-colonization fundamentally contests the
systems, ideologies, and practices associated with colonialism and its enduring consequences. It
strives to liberate individuals, communities, and nations from the ongoing effects of colonialism,
which encompasses political, economic, and cultural domination.

Richard D. Wolff is an American economist and professor emeritus at the University of
Massachusetts Amherst. He is recognized for his analysis of economic inequality and his
promotion of worker cooperatives as a means to empower individuals and tackle systemic
economic challenges. The Freevestment podcast shared Wolff’s talk titled "It's Happening
Sooner Than I Expected."

This article heavily draws on Wolff’s insights, examining the ongoing conflict involving Gaza,
Iran, and Israel, along with America’s role in the situation. In the context of decolonization,

Israel’s presence in Gaza and the financial and military support from America have contributed
to global conflict. It has become imperative to disentangle America from its ties to Israel.

Wolff narrates that the Jewish population in Israel numbers around 7 million, juxtaposed against
Iran's substantial population of 90 million. Engaging in a military confrontation with such a
markedly larger country is not a strategic maneuver, especially when one is simultaneously
embroiled in a contentious war in Gaza—an endeavor condemned by the global community at
large.
Iran, fortified by its robust diplomatic ties with Russia and its strong relationships with China,
represents a formidable adversary. What strategy lies behind this? The recent military action
seems to stem from a place of desperation.
It is visible that Prime Minister Netanyahu hoped to provoke U.S. involvement in the conflict.
When Mr. Trump heeded Netanyahu’s counsel, disregarding the multiple voices within the
Republican Party urging caution, he ignited a volatile conflict between Israel and Iran, a reality
that, aside from the American media—which often appears mired in bias and jingoism—most of
the world comprehends.

The global perspective recognizes the backing Iran receives not only from within its own borders
but also from its strategic partnerships with Russia and China, creating a stark contrast. The
situation now reveals Trump’s retreat—an urgent and erratic attempt to contain a conflict he
inadvertently unleashed. His leadership style is a chaotic dance of decision-making that has
become all too familiar.
Yet this aspect of his persona shouldn't overshadow the pressing reality: the trajectory of this
conflict is unsustainable. The prevailing approach—dependence on warfare—is a misguided and
ultimately detrimental strategy. Prior to the airstrikes on Tehran and its nuclear facilities,
numerous European commentators pointed out the fact that, as concluded by the International
Atomic Energy Commission, enriched uranium had been removed from key sites, rendering
military action there largely ineffective.

Even if the bombs could reach their targets—an uncertain prospect—they faced the formidable
challenge posed by the region's geology. The Iranians had cleverly hidden their capabilities deep

within the mountains. However, this fact would not negate their possession of skilled scientists,
established laboratories, and the necessary uranium.

So what, then, is the rationale behind such aggressive displays of might? Demonstrating military
capability becomes a hollow gesture in a landscape already fraught with geopolitical tension,
highlighted by ongoing issues in Ukraine. The impulsiveness evident in these military decisions
signals a much deeper historical impasse that is playing out in real-time.

Herky-jerky leadership: An attempt to settle the aggressive settler state: Wolff described
that desperation and erratic behaviour are to be expected when one realizes the Israeli leadership
is ensnared in a colonial endeavour that ultimately promises no viable victory for Israel or its
Western allies. The tragic element lies in the apparent inability or unwillingness to recognize this
staggering reality, much like their blindness to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza that
draws the world's condemnation.

He asserts that it is crucial to acknowledge that Jewish people, like all groups, are not
intrinsically violent or blind to the repercussions of their actions. Historical trauma within their
lineage showcases the experiences of their ancestors, who understood the consequences of
oppression firsthand. That said, one must consider the extreme pressures that can distort the
perception of individuals in such collective circumstances. When people find themselves
engulfed in unbearable and contradictory situations, their usual empathetic frameworks dissolve,
leading to reactions akin to those of cornered animals.

The resulting frustration and desperation frequently propel them into even more precarious
situations. As the United States navigates its position as a declining empire, the visible symptoms
of this decline manifest week after week, year after year. To illustrate, Israel, a relatively small
nation, is attempting to pursue a strategy reminiscent of centuries past—specifically settler
colonialism.
This involves the resettlement of a European population in a non-European territory while
systematically marginalizing the existing inhabitants. Historically, such a model showed fleeting

success two and a half centuries ago during the expansion of the United States, ultimately
concluding in the tragic eradication of entire populations.

Wolff thinks that what Hitler carried out against Jews, Roma, and leftist groups was not an
aberration; it was a historical reiteration of actions that had been witnessed across continents
during the ages of European colonial aggression.

He further says that my first book, written in my youth, explored British colonialism in Kenya,
delving into the harrowing experiences and consequences faced by indigenous peoples at the
hands of British settlers. This historical context underscores the repetition of exploitative
practices that have recurred throughout global history.

The anti-colonization phenomenon permeates the globe, but not in Israel and the US:
Wolff explained that the last century and a half has been, and will continue to be, characterized
as the era of anti-colonialism. It is the profound narrative of the vast majority of humanity on this
planet. Take, for instance, India, once a formal colony, and China, which was subjected to
colonial domination in part.
What Israel appears to be endeavouring is a contrarian approach to a historical movement that
spans more than a hundred years—a movement determined to dismantle colonial systems and to
reckon with the injustices of settler colonialism. This encompasses not only the Māori in New
Zealand and the indigenous peoples of Australia but also the millions of Africans in South
Africa, and so the list continues.

Such efforts seem futile, especially in the context of the distinctive historical trajectory we have
witnessed. Israel's refusal to abandon this colonial project is significant. It is essential to recall
that it was British colonialism that initially facilitated a refuge for Jews escaping persecution in
Europe. Currently, Israel has strategically aligned itself with the world's most formidable military
power, the United States, choosing to become a military stronghold on behalf of the remaining
global empire.
This complicity with U.S. imperial interests’ positions Israel as a flashpoint of resistance against
the wave of anti-colonial sentiment that continues to sweep across the region, especially resonant

among the surrounding Arab nations and the larger Muslim world. What we are observing today
is an unfolding, painful yet inevitable process, teaching Israelis a stark reality: their current
approach is not sustainable. For a time, it may appear to work; they have amassed significant
military capabilities, bolstered by unwavering support from the U.S.

The resilience displayed by Palestinians: Wolff reminds that the alliance has been diligently
maintained, primarily for political benefits that favour Israel. However, the cycle of conflict is
relentless. The resilience displayed by Palestinians, who steadfastly refuse to abandon their
homeland even amid systemic oppression, is remarkable. This fact underscores a deep-rooted
determination: they are not going anywhere. They have called upon their Arab and Islamic
brethren for solidarity, hoping to transform adversities into actionable support against Israel—a
call that has resonated through movements such as Hezbollah, and more, as we've collectively
witnessed over time.

Eventually, the Arab nations recognized a crucial truth. If I can comprehend it, surely they can as
well. They have come to understand the necessity of presenting a united front against Israel to
demonstrate resolve and willingness to fight back. Two groups have notably emerged as
significant players in this landscape: first, the enigmatic Houthis. Residing in Yemen, a country
marked by extreme poverty, the Houthis represent a resilient segment of the population
inhabiting a narrow strip of arable land amidst extensive deserts.

They are a frugal and industrious community, capable of surviving with minimal resources, and
have positioned themselves strategically to disrupt shipping routes vital to global commerce.
Moreover, they possess the capability to launch missiles into Israel, an act that seems
increasingly unchallenged. The United States attempted to thwart their efforts earlier this year,
conducting a month-long campaign of heavy bombardment that yielded minimal results—merely
casualties and damaged infrastructure, yet failing to break their resolve or effectiveness.
The second key player is Iran, a significant supporter of resistance groups such as Hamas,
Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Iran's formidable size and power present a daunting challenge to
Israel, one that evokes caution in their reactions. In this complex nexus, Israel felt compelled to

respond predictably, despite the anachronistic nature of its strategy. What they demonstrated was
a miscalculated reversion to tactics deemed outdated and ineffective.

Israel remains stubborn about its colonial project in the Middle East:

It took an extensive and arduous journey to dismantle the colonial structures imposed by Western
Europe, North America, and Japan. Yet, amidst this historical transition, Israel remains a striking
example of settler colonialism in the 21st century. Despite a century and a half of anticolonial
movements striving to abolish such practices, Israel persists in attempting to establish and
expand its colonial project. This defiance stands in stark contrast to a global community that is
increasingly organized against it.

One might ponder why Israel would pursue a path so universally condemned in every United
Nations resolution. Equally perplexing is the unwavering support from the United States for such
a small nation engaged in actions so antithetical to historical progress. The underlying suggestion
is that there exists a shared ethos between the two nations, both viewing Israel as a reflection of
their own endeavours, clinging to ideologies that are evidently unsustainable. This shared
desperation manifests as a profound gloom and sense of foreboding, yet a resolute commitment
to persist in their approach.
There exists a dim but palpable awareness that the tides of history are shifting decisively against
them. The juxtaposition of Israel’s entrenched settler colonialism against the meteoric rise of the
People’s Republic of China—economically, politically, and militarily—creates a striking and
concerning contrast. As an American, I recognize that high-ranking officials are acutely aware of
this contradiction. The dichotomy between the Chinese narrative and the Israeli narrative has
prompted discussions within U.S. political circles, including among both Democrats and
Republicans.

Israelis must now fend for themselves:
Wolff narrates that some assert the United States has fulfilled its commitments to Israel,
suggesting that we can now pivot our focus toward the China challenge. They claim, “We can
now walk away from this and concentrate on China because the Israelis must now fend for

themselves.” This notion rings absurd, especially as Israel currently navigates unprecedented
challenges in relation to the adversaries it has cultivated over the years.
Nevertheless, it reflects an emerging sentiment even among the most hardline factions in
American politics, which increasingly yearn to close the chapter on Israel’s ongoing conflict with
its neighbours. This backdrop provides context for understanding the fraught responses of
American leadership—away from Trump’s erratic rhetoric—to an escalating conflict that they
wish to frame strictly as a targeted action against nuclear facilities rather than a broader
campaign for regime change or an affront to Islam. The desperation in their messaging is evident.

Wolff states that the past 150 years have been marked by a significant global transformation, led,
above all, by the struggles of millions yearning for liberation from colonial oppression,
indicating that time is not on the side of those who cling to oppressive paradigms.

The article concludes that the anti-colonization movement aims to dismantle existing power
dynamics and promote more equitable relationships between nations and within societies. Anti-
colonialism challenges the historical and ongoing supremacy of Western powers, as well as their
influence on global frameworks. It seeks to reimagine social and political systems to be more just
and equitable, moving away from colonial paradigms of authority and domination, such as those
of Israel and the US.

Dr Pamelia Riviere is a freelance writer and analyst