The term 'colonial future,' as articulated by Vanessa Andreotti, refers to a perpetuation of historical and ongoing colonial dynamics, values, and structures that shape our worldviews, social systems, and interactions with each other and the environment. It denotes a continuity where the underlying mechanisms of dominance, exploitation, and exclusion inherent in colonialism remain disguised under new guises, influencing global politics, economics, and cultural relations. This future is marked by systemic inequalities, the suppression of diverse knowledges and life forms, and the imposition of a singular, often Eurocentric, vision of progress and development. Recognizing and challenging the patterns that sustain a colonial future is crucial for envisioning more just, equitable, and sustainable alternatives.

See also: global citizenship, relational justice, cultural supremacy, white supremacy, global south