IPE WEEK 6 Flashcards
What key argument did Gann and Duignan make about the orthodox view of colonialism in Africa?
Gann and Duignan challenged the new “orthodoxy” about Africa, arguing against the belief that only evil and exploitation resulted from European colonialism. They presented a controversial approach to colonialism, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of its impacts.
According to Gann and Duignan, what do historical balance sheets of colonialism in Africa reveal?
They argue that the historical balance sheets show that the imperial system was a powerful engine for cultural diffusion in Africa, with its credit balance outweighing its debit account. They highlight the positive contributions and lasting impacts of colonialism.
How did Gann and Duignan critique the Marxist view on colonialism?
They argued against the Marxist interpretation that colonialism in Africa was solely driven by economic exploitation and the overabundance of capital in Europe. They disagreed with the notion that Western imperialism was uniquely destructive and emphasized the continuity of imperial conquests throughout history.
What were the reasons Gann and Duignan provided for colonialism?
ey cited various reasons, including trade interests, desire for prestige and strategic advantages, national pride, and the perception of imperialism as a liberating force. They also highlighted African weaknesses and the military superiority of European powers.
How did Gann and Duignan refer to colonialists as a “liberating force”?
They argued that colonial rule, despite its flaws, often acted as a liberating force by dismantling indigenous social and economic constraints. They pointed out instances where colonial rule brought about economic freedom and social changes that were absent or restricted under indigenous authorities.
According to Gann and Duignan, how did colonialism impact Africa’s development compared to indigenous governance?
They argued that colonialism brought impressive results for Africa, citing examples of infrastructure development, industrial growth, and administrative stability under colonial rule. They suggested that Africa may not have developed as rapidly without colonial intervention.
What was Walter Rodney’s key argument in “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”?
Rodney argued that the great divergence between the West and the rest, particularly Africa, was a result of European exploitation of African resources and labor. He critiqued the notion that colonialism had positive effects on Africa, presenting evidence of its detrimental impacts.
How did Rodney challenge the supposed benefits of colonialism to Africa?
Rodney argued that the social services provided by colonial governments were minimal compared to the exploitation experienced by Africans. He emphasized that the benefits were often exaggerated and failed to outweigh the negative impacts of colonial rule.
According to Rodney, how did colonialism intensify the exploitation of women in Africa?
Rodney argued that colonialism led to the deterioration of women’s rights and increased economic exploitation. The disruption of traditional gender roles and the imposition of colonial values marginalized women and intensified their economic burden.
What were some consequences of colonialism on African development according to Rodney?
r: Rodney highlighted several consequences, including chronic undernourishment, loss of political power, and the disruption of national solidarity. He argued that colonialism hindered the further evolution of African states and perpetuated divisions through tactics like divide and rule.
What is the key argument made by Gareth Austin regarding the impact of colonial rule on post-colonial economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa?
: Austin argues that the economic paths followed by African economies were often continuations and adjustments from pre-colonial trajectories rather than entirely initiated during the colonial period.
How did colonial regimes differ in their approaches to governance and economic exploitation in Africa?
Colonial regimes differed in strategies such as the use of indirect rule by the British and greater reliance on forced labor by the French. Additionally, the British aimed for colonies to be fiscally self-supporting, while the French continued to receive more in tax from Africa than they spent in Africa.
What challenges does Africa face in effectively integrating into the global economy, according to Austin’s analysis?
Africa primarily remains a source of raw materials and cheap labor, with low levels of intra-regional trade hindering its ability to benefit from its own market. Additionally, its share of global trade is worryingly low, contributing only 2.3% to global trade.
What initiatives have been proposed to address Africa’s economic challenges, and what obstacles do they face?
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) aims to promote trade liberalization within the African Union. However, it faces obstacles such as limited state capacity, legacy of colonial borders, and differing economic interests among member states.
