Kerry, colonialism isn't the same as trade, and it never ended.

FDR insisted that Churchill agree to decolonization before joining WWII allies. After the war, French and British elites refused the terms and fought to maintain their colonies, and the Truman Doctrine trumped FDR's Atlantic Charter.

Colonization was positive for white people, but not all of them. French, British, and American elites (owners of big businesses) financially benefitted, while poverty persisted within their countries.

Māori disagree that New Zealand is a successful colony, and Puerto Ricans still don't have the same constitutional rights as Americans.

The Global South is poor because fair trade doesn't exist. Imperialist nations own their resources, and the profits don't trickle down.

Prosperity could exist without conquering and exploiting others, but it would require equitable trade agreements.