# Functional Decolonization **Domain:** Decolonization / Infrastructure / Sovereignty **Doc Type:** Concept Node **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition **Functional decolonization is the replacement of inherited dependencies that allow an external power to constrain practical action after formal colonial rule has ended.** It concerns the operating systems of independence: finance, industry, routes, standards, knowledge, defense, and institutional authorship. ## War With Empire Context [[wiki/War With Empire|War With Empire]] treats political independence as unfinished when essential functions remain externally governed. [[articles/war with empire/Manufacturing Sovereignty (unabridged)|Manufacturing Sovereignty]] supplies the industrial case; [[articles/war with empire/The Monroe Doctrine, the British Substrate, and the Unfinished Decolonization of the Americas|The Monroe Doctrine]] supplies the hemispheric case. Functional decolonization must not reproduce domination under a new flag. Its legitimate measure is increased authorship and [[wiki/Practical Sovereignty|practical sovereignty]] for the affected population. ## Key Insight **Decolonization is incomplete while the former colony cannot operate without inherited permission.** ## See Also [[wiki/Declarative Sovereignty|Declarative Sovereignty]], [[wiki/Colonialism|Colonialism]], [[wiki/Technological Sovereignty|Technological Sovereignty]], [[wiki/Architectural Authorship|Architectural Authorship]]