Is colonizing, that is, taking over another country to exploit their natural resources and change their culture, only a Western European phenomenon?

It is not only a European phenomenon, though there is no denying that the extent and scope of the colonial projects of Britain, France, and Spain far exceeded anything attempted by non-European states. The Japanese colonization of Korea, parts of China, and parts of southeast Asia prior to World War II was probably the most notable and successful non-European colonial empire.

@Demosthenes And in Europe, let’s also remember the Netherlands.

@Demosthenes correctly mentioned the Japanese before WW2. We can also include China’s capture of Tibet.

8th Century Arab invasion of Spain and Portugal, the invasion came from North Africa.

Portugal colonized Goa (India), East Timor, and Macau ( China), in Asia. Mozambique, Angola, and Guinea Bissau were its African colonies. In addition, Portugal also colonized Sao Tome, Cape Verde, and Principe off the coast of Africa. In South America, Portugal captured and later colonized Brazil.

The US indirectly colonized Iran, Chile, and other countries.
In Iran and Chile, they overthrew their democratically elected leaders and replaced them with dictators, primarily so that US oil companies could exploit those countries’ petroleum resources.
The US basically changed the cultures of those countries from ones of hope and prosperity for their people, to ones of oppression, fear, and anger.

No, it’s a universal human civilization trait.

We shouldn’t forget Genghis Khan.

@Blackwater_Park I don’t think it’s universal. I think war is universal, but not colonization.

Definitely not. The US was just the biggest example and easy to study I guess.

And obviously the far reaching impact is especially egregious so it stands out.

Historically, Aztecs , Incas, Persians, Turks and Mongols

@Hawaii_Jake When one group of people needs or desires resources they’ll take over or attempt to take over the lands of the people that do have them. This happens or has happened on every corner of this earth.

@Blackberry Actually, I think the British are the biggest example in the last several hundred years.

Not at all.

Nah, human nature, sadly.