Understanding Settler Colonialism

Settler colonialism refers to the historical and ongoing impact of European colonialism in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. This concept posits that these nations are permanently shaped by their colonial origins, resulting in persistent injustices that stem from the original acts of colonization. Adam Kirsch explains that the term has evolved over time, particularly since the 1990s, to encompass a broader critique of societal issues, framing them as the consequences of settler colonialism. This perspective invites a necessary acknowledgment of how deeply embedded colonial histories influence current social dynamics and structures within these societies.