| dc.description.abstract | The toxic and hazardous waste trade is a complicated business involving several dimensions including, economic, social, political and environmental aspects. With a rising environmental movement, globalisation processes, industrial development in developing countries, the issues of the toxic waste trade began to evolve in the period from in. the second half of the twentieth century. This would lead to enhanced debates of the topic and a growing force opposing it in the period from 1980-2000. From these debates, the concept of toxic colonialism originated. It defined the practice of trading waste between richer and poorer nations, which enhanced the already established inequalities affecting the environment and human health. That the concept incorporates the term colonialism provides an inherent historical dimension to it. From this dimension, the thesis explores the historical context, from the old colonial and imperial structures and their persistence leading to a new form of colonialism. Further, it will examine the context of environmentalism and the international environmental agenda in the 80s and 90s and link the alterations of the practice to highlight why and how the concept of toxic colonialism could develop and what it entails on a political level. To study toxic colonialism on an individual level, the thesis discusses perspectives from the Philippines. The country, a formerly colonised country for almost 400 years by the powers of Spain, the United States and Japan, has significant historical aspects which will emphasise the understanding, definition and meaning of toxic colonialism. Additionally, the Philippine’s case of environmental engagement in the 80s and 90s provides for how a developing nation affected by toxic and hazardous waste import resisted the new colonial practice. | eng |