Been here before as you say Mike
Colonialism was based on the exploitation of poor and weaker nations.
What replaced colonialism, better or worse, is immaterial and doesn't alter the definition in one way or another.
Every nation is entitled to self determination in order to realise its own capabilities and make its own way in the world - including its own mistakes, and the idea that they are incapable of doing so without the guiding hand of Britain (or anywhere) is right-wing patronising in the extreme.
If they choose to remain with the system that was foisted on them by the Empire they are hardly likely to make a go of it right away, and should they be unwise enough to choose one that didn't suit their old masters, the lads were always ready to make sure they didn't step too far out of line, as was shown by the murder of Patrice Lumumba and the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah.
Nice to be reliving my schooldays again with you and Terrytoon telling us what a good thing the Empire was though - thanks for the blast from the (never to return) past though.
Jim Carroll