How does neocolonialism perpetuate economic exploitation in former colonies, and what historical contexts contribute to this phenomenon?

Neocolonialism refers to the way powerful countries continue to control and influence former colonies, often through economic means rather than direct political control. This happens when these powerful nations use their wealth and resources to manipulate the economies of poorer countries, making it difficult for them to grow independently. For example, a large corporation from a wealthy country might invest in a former colony but only to extract resources like minerals or crops, leaving the local economy dependent and underdeveloped. Historical contexts like colonialism set the stage for this by creating systems of inequality and dependency, where the former colonies became reliant on the exports and demands of their colonizers. Thus, neocolonialism keeps this cycle of exploitation going, making it hard for these countries to achieve true economic independence and equality.