Africa, the Middle East and Asia in the Era of Independence

1947-Present

Why have many former colonies failed to create stable governments?

• The vicious cycle in post-colonial societies

Nationalist leaders promise better life.

Promises are broken.

Conflict between rival leaders,

ethnic groups, and/or classes erupt

Ethnic Conflicts of note in Africa and Asia.

• Rwanda

• Sudan

• Sri Lanka

Rise of Dictatorship in Response to the Issues

• Gamal Nasser in Egypt– Arab Socialism

• Sought help from the USSR

• Free education through college.

• Land reform.• 5-year plans.• Nationalized foreign

industries and the Suez Canal.

• Pushed for Arab unity and anti-Israel policies.

India’s Response under Nehru.Why was India more successful than Egypt

and other colonies?• Had developed infrastructure.• Had a middle class.• Preserved property rights.• Had democratic roots.• Developed a mixed economy .• Accepted foreign investment.• The Green Revolution.

What problems still exist in India?

• Extreme poverty.

• Caste discrimination.

• Ethnic violence.

Iran’s rejection of the West.

In what way did the Ayatollah Khomeini and his Shiite followers reject the West?

• Wanted Islamic fundamentalist revival.

• Westernization was ruining the Muslim people.

What factors contributed to their discontent?

• Shah Pahlavi’s pro-West, authoritarian rule and the plight of the poor (mostly Shiites) alienated many.

What changes did the Iranian Revolution of 1979 bring?

• Muslim clerics led the nation.

• Shari'a law enforced.

• Opposition suppressed.

• Women’s rights repealed.

• 10 year war with Iraq.

• Diplomatic ties with the West shattered.

Why have many former colonies failed to develop prosperous economies?

• Neocolonialism.

• Educated leave country: “brain drain.”

• Command economies prevent growth.

Population

• Some social scientists believed large population hold developing countries back.

• Oh yeah? Explain Japan or Singapore.

• Some countries have worked to lower birthrates.– China through law.– India through government promotion and

education.

What problems has rapid urbanization caused?

• Shanty-towns.

• Soil depletion.

• Deforestation.

• Pollution.

What factors have prevented women in third world countries from achieving full equality?

• Inferior education (or none) for women.• Early marriages.• Poor sanitation.• Religious (Islamic) fundamentalism.• Even women who advance in politics

usually have strong connection to powerful men.– Indira Gandhi in India– Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan