Decolonization of Asia and Africa

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Decolonization of Asia and Africa
In the mid-20th century, many countries across Asia, Africa and The Middle East had “freed” themselves from the Europeans. Historians use the term decolonization to describe this process, which begun around 1945 and came to an end in the late 1960s (Slater, Dan, and Nicholas 1473). During this era, decolonization was achieved through independence movements, revolutions and European departures. To be precise, there was no one single process that suited decolonization, leading to protracted revolutions and peaceful processes as stated. Upon establishing self-governance, some countries were ruled by dictators, whereas others were subjected to military rule for years. Others had to endure decades of civil unrest.
Some European countries welcomed partnerships with their former colonies, while others contested the idea of decolonization by deploying their military in different colonies. Moreover, the commencement of decolonization happened together with the new Cold War between America and the Soviet Union, and during the early stages of the formation of the United Nations. During this period, decolonization was heavily affected by competition between superpowers, which impacted on the evolution of the competition. Likewise, it transformed the pattern of global relations in a more general perspective.
Causes of Decolonization
Though the colonialists ruled over Africa and Asia, some natives were given an opportunity to acquire education at the highest levels.

Some even went to study in the European universities. The colonialists envisioned a case where the westernized natives would help them strengthen their resolve in Africa and Asia. However, these individuals would, later on, become anti-colonialism crusaders. Secondly, the beginning of the world wars enlightened many countries in Asia and Africa, which were under European rule. As a result, many people started to question the superiority of their colonial masters resulting in wars in various colonies (Kelley 267). Furthermore, many people begun to have a nationalistic resolve and started to support their own people, including the indigenous political crusades that were advocating for independence.
European superpowers had managed to successfully divide Africa and Asia in what is commonly referred to as the scramble for Africa. Most notable was the divisions in politics and the natural resources. The African continent was under the control of Europeans, but Liberia and Ethiopia were the only exceptions. France and Britain were the largest beneficiaries, though countries such as Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal had colonies. Africa suffered significant losses in terms of its natural resources such as gold, rubber, cultural confusion, political subjugation, an economic loss (Michalopoulos, Stelios, and Elias 1802). This angered many people, hence the drive to achieve independence. In India, Mahatma Gandhi and his supporters managed to force the British into retreat as early as 1939. In Indonesia, the skilful Sukamo used his diplomatic skills to persuade the United Nation into recognizing the sovereignty of Indonesia.
The Consequences of Decolonization in Asia and Africa.
One of the most notable effects of decolonization is the instability that continues to follow the post-decolonization political systems. There have been deep economic crises that have been witnessed in Asia and Africa over the last decades because those who inherited power from the colonialists have failed to develop their countries. In addition to that, economic progress has been inhibited and disparities between the northern and southern continents continue to widen, this is witnessed especially in Africa. Cities are overpopulated and this brings about social and economic consequences. Furthermore, the suburbs are inhabited by low-income earners and as a result, the quality of life in many towns is low.
Decolonization was a blessing to some Asian and African countries, even though a majority was not ready for self-governance. Political instabilities and leadership wrangles is an indicator of this. Many countries are facing huge challenges in terms of providing basic services to the people, due to lack of resources and corruption. Therefore, the major concern for governments is how to achieve economic growth and development, while satisfying the basic human needs for the rapidly growing populations. This is crucial, especially in countries where welfare systems are non-existent, and traditional norms and values have been replaced by the western cultures.
Works Cited
Kelley, Robin DG. “The Rest of Us: Rethinking Settler and Native.” American Quarterly 69.2 (2017): 267-276.
Michalopoulos, Stelios, and Elias Papaioannou. “The Long-Run Effects of the Scramble for Africa.” American Economic Review106.7 (2016): 1802-48.
Slater, Dan, and Nicholas Rush Smith. “The Power of Counterrevolution: Elitist Origins of Political Order in Postcolonial Asia and Africa.” American Journal of Sociology121.5 (2016): 1472-1516.