Intellectual colonialism is a crucial, and extremely dangerous element of the imperialist system.
They implant in or minds, the minds of our leaders, and even in the minds of opposition groups, thoughts and perspectives which reinforce their power.
Neoliberalism is the prevailing theory in economics academia, despite the fact that has observably failed in actual practice to fulfill its promises.
Because it is official economic doctrine, questioning it, challenging it, is instantly perceived as radical and unrealistic, even among so-called opposition intellectuals.
This is why, for instance, the Mursi administration hesitated about, but did not reject neoliberal macroeconomic structural adjustment reforms. It is why the Ikhwan (whether in Egypt, Tunisia, or Turkey) accept the fundamental false premise of market liberalization. It is why they base their understanding of economics primarily on the deceptive teachings of IMF and World Bank economists. It is why it seems to be completely beyond their imaginations to envision any other economic model.
Regulation of business, imposing restrictions on foreign investors, debt cancellation, any form of nationalization of industries, price controls, raising tariffs, and any other measures that have proven to promote real economic development, are all dismissed as almost blasphemous. Intellectual colonialism has made it impossible to objectively analyze, much less challenge, accepted imperialist economic doctrines.
They accuse you of being socialist or communist, as though these are somehow worse accusations than being capitalist or neoliberal.
Offering an objective critique of neoliberalism, and advocating the development of healthier, more just economic models does not make you a radical; it makes you intelligent, and it is a key step towards liberation.