8.12C Role of State & National Identity

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Jonty

Cards (5)

Role of State & National Identity:
The role of the state is variable and national identity is not always strong, especially in ‘failed states’ where there are stark differences between the politically and economically powerful elite, foreign investment groups and the wider population
Where a government has lost political control and is unable to provide it basic responsibilities; unity and loyalty to the state is lost and it becomes 'a failed state'
Many African states were artificially created under European rule in the 19th century, and this threw differing indigenous communities together
In the immediate post-colonial period, statesmanship was lost as these communities squabbled amongst themselves for ultimate power, creating a lack of internal cohesion allowing for newly emerging nations to quickly fail
Sudan:
became independent in 1955
In 2011, after 50 years of internal struggles and a loss of 2 million lives, the Sudan gave up on unity
The new state of South Sudan was declared
The remainder of Sudan kept its name and the capital city - Khartoum
As a state, South Sudan has the worst health and development indicators in the world
Internal issues in Sudan include:
Violence and corruption jeopardising peace and development efforts
Ethnic conflict killed and displaced thousands of civilians. South Sudan has 64 ethnic groups with the largest being the Dinkas, who make up around 35% of the population and dominate in government.
Lack of a viable governing system and widespread political conflict
Food insecurity and malnutrition caused by drought and economic failures
Cattle are used as food and as a store of wealth. It takes 20 cows to buy a bride
Solution to Sudan?:
There are no easy solutions to internal disunity
Many of the borders were drawn by past colonial rule, which threw unrelated ethnic groups together and created further tensions when independence was subsequently gained
Even secession can create issues, as South Sudan has shown