What term is used to refer to the ideology that justified colonial expansion based on a belief in Western superiority?

The term "Civilizing Mission" refers to the ideology that was widely used to justify colonial expansion during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Proponents of this ideology believed that Western nations had a moral obligation to bring civilization, education, and religion to what they considered "uncivilized" parts of the world. This belief was deeply rooted in notions of racial superiority and cultural supremacy, arguing that Western societies were more advanced and therefore had the right to dominate others.

The Civilizing Mission was often used to rationalize the exploitation of colonized peoples and their resources, framing imperialistic actions as benevolent rather than oppressive. This concept played a significant role in shaping attitudes toward colonization and was a driving force behind many colonial policies and practices.

Other terms like "Imperialism" broadly encompass the practice of extending a nation's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, and while it relates closely to the Civilizing Mission, it does not specifically address the ideological justification based on perceived superiority. The terms "Sociobiology" and "Social Capitalism" do not pertain to colonial ideologies and therefore do not relate to the context of this question.