Colonialism's contribution to poverty

• Colonialism has contributed to contemporary poverty

  • Colonialism was driven by the desire to access natural resources and markets
  • Newly formed states had little experience of self governance
  • Economic infrastructure was left undeveloped by colonial powers
  • Decolonialisation drew arbitrary lines with little thought for ethnic unity which has driven conflict
  • Colonialism is dependency theory in action as core states are seeking to maximise wealth at the expense of indigenous populations
• Colonialism hasn't contributed to contemporary poverty

  • Infrastructure was built (roads, railways, bridges, dams)
  • Westernisation introduced the rule of law and democratisation, providing a basis for stability and FDI
• Why is the balance sheet approach to history problematic

  • The balance sheet approach is colonial in itself as it takes away indigenous voices
• Why might international aid be a flawed mechanism to address the legacy of colonialism

  • It can entrench colonialism as countries are still dependent on greater powers to support their economy and so they can't grow without them
  • It doesn't address the route cause of issues, it just acts as a plaster