What are some lasting impacts on the world because of colonization?

The question asks for the impact of colonization but does not specify a time or place. This is a question that can be answered without knowing the setting, however. Colonization, by nature, has benefits for the colonizer and is detrimental to the colonized. Colonization has the effect of enriching the imperialists through the acquisition of resources, cheap or free labor, and markets to sell goods. This impact does not disappear for the foreseeable future. When a nation benefits economically through imperialism, these economic benefits tend to endure. Wealth creates more wealth.

On the other hand, the country that loses its economic freedom to an outside aggressor is crippled for generations to come. Their resources are depleted and they have not developed their own economy. Even after the imperial power leaves, they are not knowledgeable about how to build a market economy. The newly independent states also do not have the financial resources to compete with the advanced states. The same can be said about the political situation in colonies. They do not have the political structure to create stability because they have been governed by outsiders. They are often plunged into decades of civil war and political instability.

Another important effect of colonization is the loss of culture and history. The imperial powers will deliberately attempt to force their ideas and way of life on the "inferior" peoples. They are forced to learn a new language and play by the economic rules of the imperial power. Their history is deliberately marginalized. When the imperial power leaves, the colony does not have its own identity anymore as a people. Gone is the sense of unity and purpose needed to achieve in the modern world.