Imperialism: A Study (J.A. Hobson)

"Imperialism: A Study" by J.A. Hobson examines the economic and political motivations behind imperialism, particularly the expansion of European powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hobson argues that imperialism is driven largely by the need for capitalist economies to find new markets and investment opportunities. He contends that this quest for profit often leads to exploitation and conflict. Hobson's analysis critiques the moral justifications for imperialism, highlighting its detrimental effects on both the colonized societies and the imperial powers themselves. His work laid the foundation for later critiques of colonialism and economic exploitation.