The Influence Of Political, Cultural And Social Factors On The Development Of Two Or More Countries

Question 1

Outline the Berlin Conference, 1885

Answer 1

• 16 leading male, white, European diplomats divided up Africa with new borders
• Claimed ‘Colonialism would benefit backward tribal societies’

Question 2

What impacts does the Berlin Conference still have today?

Answer 2

• Introverted trade
• Politicisation of 2 tribes in Rwanda by Belgians led to genocide of 1994
• Britain ruled Arabs and Blacks of Sudan as separate entities caused mass war and 2003 Dafur genocide

Question 3

What is Neo-colonialism?

Answer 3

Control of less developed countries by developed countries through indirect means

Question 4

What investments and actions has China taken in SSA?

Answer 4

• Leki Free Trade Zone, Lagos (New hotels and airports, reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imported goods)
• Built railways in Mombassa and from Ethiopia to Djibouti
• President Xi committed to industrialisation in Africa, developing SEZs

Question 5

What is the dependency theory?

Answer 5

Marxist theory that states poorer LDCs do not have ability to develop, as they are exploited by superpowers for their own financial and economic gain

Question 6

Give an example of global organisations in SSA

Answer 6

IMF, Malawi grain production 2003-2012:

• IMF loaned Malawi money, charging 56% interest
• Crop production came up short
• IMF told government to privatise crop reserves and reduce public spending
• Food shortage death ran into thousands

Question 7

Give an examine of corruption in SSA

Answer 7

Congo:

• $24 trillion of wealth underground
• Most Congolese live on 72 cents per day
• Newly elected president overthrew 40 year dictatorship
• When mining companies receive a tax bill they reach out to government official to stop collection of money
• 5% taxes owed by mining companies collected
• President income estimated to be $200,000 per month

Question 8

Give an example of governance in SSA

Answer 8

Changing trade relationships in Nigeria:

• 75% imports come from China, EU and USA. Biggest imports is mobile phones from China (7th highest mobile phone users in world)
• 75% exports go to EU, India, USA and Brazil. Main exports petroleum, natural gas, rubber, cocoa and cotton