Эволюция колониальных и неоколониальных моделей геополитического доминирования

The paper considers the architecture of modern neocolonialism. To this end we put forward simple structural and graphical models of traditional (colonial) and modern (neocolonial) systems, whose comparison reveals their differences. Further, we systematize comparative features of two dominance systems - colonial and neocolonial. We introduce the concept of colonial cycle, which means power castling - the process when power shifts from the mother country to its colony; a typical example is the relationship between the United States and the UK. We propose a structural and graphical model of a multipolar world, which highlights alliances of countries and indirect methods of struggle that States engage in so as to gain influence in their regional segments of the geopolitical system. We reveal the objective and subjective drivers of neocolonial castling: the scale effect; the balance of power effect, formalized as a structural balance; the globalization saturation effect that generates a “globalization / local culture” cycle; the political leader effect; economic patriotism. We put forward an expanded model of state success in the context of neocolonialism; this model, in addition to internal social achievements, takes into account the external effect in the form of political sovereignty. We show that many international comparisons lose their relevance within the framework of this model. A typical example of a false but well-established narrative based on a narrowed model of state success is the notion of South Korea’s more dynamic development compared to North Korea. We consider a modification of the extended model of state success using N. Machiavelli’s militaristic model as an example. The cognitive significance of the concept of colonial cycles in the context of geopolitical turbulence is discussed.