This course explores the complex, formative role of the Caribbean in the development of Western colonialism and capitalism and the consequences for the peoples of the region. The course examines three major themes. First, the importance of the region in the origin and early development of Western imperialism: why did both Western Europe and America begin their imperial and colonial expansion in this region? Second, the importance of the region's slave-based economies for the development of Western capitalism: how important was slavery for Western capital accumulation and the organizational innovations of capitalism? Third, we examine the post-colonial consequences of this engagement for the socio-political, economic, and cultural development of the region. Why in spite of its long history of engagement with Western capitalism, has the region largely faltered in its efforts to develop? We examine the different paths to development through five case studies—neo-colonial dependency in Puerto Rico, communist dependency in Cuba, democratic socialism in Jamaica, Barbados' neo-liberal strategy, and aid-dependency in Haiti. The final part briefly explores the problems of racial identity, cultural resistance, and globalization through case studies of the region's distinctive religions and music.
