About this Video

• Video Title: Nelson Maldonado-Torres - Coloniality of power and metaphysical catastrophe
• Channel: Antirasistiska Akademin
• Speakers: Nelson Maldonado-Torres, Interviewer (name not provided in transcript)
• Duration: 00:58:48

Introduction

This video features an interview with Nelson Maldonado-Torres, discussing the concepts of colonialism, modern colonialism, and coloniality of power. The main purpose is to differentiate these terms and explore how coloniality continues to shape power structures, knowledge production, and conceptions of being in the modern world, even after formal colonial rule has ended. The conversation also touches upon the concept of a "metaphysical catastrophe" and the need for decolonization.

Key Takeaways

• Colonialism vs. Modern Colonialism vs. Coloniality: The video clarifies the distinctions between these three terms. Colonialism broadly refers to any relationship of domination between territories; modern colonialism specifically refers to the European expansion starting with the "discovery" of the Americas, characterized by doctrines of discovery and conquest; coloniality refers to the enduring power structures, knowledge systems, and conceptions of being that perpetuate colonial relationships even after formal colonial rule ends.

• The Role of Race: The concept of race is presented as a crucial tool used to organize labor and maintain power structures within the framework of modern colonialism and its enduring coloniality. It created an ontological distinction, establishing inherent hierarchies between populations.

• Coloniality of Being: This concept highlights the ontological difference imposed by colonialism, where certain groups are denied full humanity and relegated to a "sub-ontological" status. This impacts self-perception and social relations.

• Metaphysical Catastrophe: The interview describes a "metaphysical catastrophe" as a fundamental shift in the understanding of being and relationships between the self and the other, initiated by modern colonialism's denial of the other's ontological status. This catastrophe continues to shape contemporary societies.

• Decolonization: Decolonization is presented not as integration or diversification, but as a critical transformation of fundamental concepts like reason, humanity, and justice, challenging the very foundations of the colonial system. It requires addressing both surface manifestations and underlying root causes.