Internal colonialism, transnationalization and spatial inequality

With the paradigm-shift in development studies from ‘diffusionist’ to ‘dependency’ views on world development several concepts are being newly introduced into development geography. This paper examines and reviews the two concepts of internal colonialism and transnationalization. The two concepts are located in the context of polar positions within the dependency paradigm as represented by reformist and radical views towards dependency. Some implications for studies in the geography of development of employing the concepts of internal colonialism and transnationalization are illustrated with reference to a discussion on spatial inequalities. Williamson’s (1965) ‘inverted-U’ thesis is re-examined and refined in light of the class nature of the State in underdeveloped societies.