The invasion of Africa could at best be described as the greatest tragedy to befall Africa after the slave trade. Such invasion was described as colonialism which was planned and executed under the pretext of "helping" Africa to grow and develop, for Africans lack the wherewithal to do so for themselves. Colonialism left Africa destroyed and backwards in all spheres of nation building.
The invaders fell so much in love with the resources both human and material that could get without rendering account to anyone. Even while they left, they mechanisms in place to maintain their hold of such resources.
Without prejudice to the good things Africa in general and Nigeria in particular made out of colonialism which ended years ago, it is still a fact that the colonialists did not entirely leave. The presence is still felt even in their absence.
Neo-colonialism therefore aims to continue the subjugation of Africa and Africans and Nigeria in particular through well organized international organizations and agencies for the benefit of the west.
This work looks at this ugly phenomenon in the Nigerian context and suggests some ways forward.
Table of Contents
- THE WESTERN ARROGANCE CHRISTENED NEO-COLONIALISM: ITS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA
- Introduction
- Neo-colonialism in view
- Neo-colonialism and the Nigerian experience
- Some ways forward
- Conclusion
- References
Objectives & Thematic Focuses
This work aims to critically examine the concept of neo-colonialism, specifically how it manifests, is executed, and its profound effects on Nigeria, ultimately suggesting pathways for Nigeria to disengage from its influence and achieve genuine development and sovereignty.
- Historical context of Western arrogance and colonialism in Africa.
- Defining and characterizing neo-colonialism as a subtle form of foreign domination.
- Analysis of economic mechanisms used for neo-colonial control in Nigeria, such as Structural Adjustment Programs, foreign aid, and debt crises.
- Exploration of political factors including corrupt leadership and external influence on governance.
- Examination of social and cultural manipulations, including the use of terrorism as a tool for control.
- Proposing concrete strategies and solutions for Nigeria to resist and overcome neo-colonialist challenges.
Excerpt from the Book
THE WESTERN ARROGANCE CHRISTENED NEO-COLONIALISM: ITS CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA
The result was that the independence that these countries got was nominal, symbolized by a change of flag without the destruction of the colonial yoke. Even though the colonial apparatuses are no more physically present in African countries, the colonialists are still around. They manipulate the economies of these countries by remote control. This is what neo-colonialism is all about. (p.50)
Couloumbis and Wolfe (1986) wrote: ‘Neo-colonialism is an expression of a covert bond of colonialism through subtle ties of economic, political, military and cultural dependency.' (p.366). Neo-colonialism is thus characterized by domination, impoverishment, backwardness, dependency of African nations and some other nations of the world even after the end of colonialism. Neo-colonialism entails the on-going domination of African countries by their erstwhile colonial overlords. Suffice it to say that independence and sovereignty in the presence of neo-colonialism is a thing of paradox. Kwame Nkrumah (1965) wrote: ‘Neo-colonialism allows former colonial powers to exercise power without responsibility while subjecting the victim nations to exploitations without redress.’Uchenna (2020) adds:
Neo-colonialism refers to the use of economic and political mechanisms by powerful nations to maintain their dominance over weaker states, not through direct political control, as in traditional colonialism, but via subtle and systematic means. It is facilitated by the enduring presence of institutions, structures, and socio-cultural norms established during colonial rule, which were often left intact at independence.
From the above, one will agree with Kwame Nkrumah who remained a leading voice for the unity of Africa, that while neo-colonial states appeared to be independent, that their entire lives, ranging from political to economic policies, were all controlled by their erstwhile colonial invaders. There is no doubt that these external influences on the lives of the independent African nations are perpetrated through structures and agencies already established under the pretext of looking out for global peace and harmony. They have carefully designed all the facets of the administration of African nations to remain perpetually dependent on foreign handouts for survival. Chikendu (2004) amongst others has argued that the colonialists carefully left mechanisms in place for the African economies to remain reliant to the machinations of the imperialists, as they exert control over trade, government policies and monetary systems of the African nations. Through agencies and organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, multinational and transnational companies, defense industries, world security outfits etc., the business of maintaining control over the affairs of African nations is constantly achieved.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Discusses the historical pretext and justifications for Western invasion and subjugation of Africa, highlighting how derogatory narratives about Africans facilitated colonialism and its continued influence.
Neo-colonialism in view: Defines neo-colonialism as a subtle form of economic, political, military, and cultural dependency that allows former colonial powers to maintain dominance without direct responsibility, often through established institutions and local proxies.
Neo-colonialism and the Nigerian experience: Explores the manifestations of neo-colonialism in Nigeria since independence, focusing on economic dependence through programs like SAP, foreign aid, debt crises, and the role of corrupt leadership and sponsored terrorism.
Some ways forward: Proposes strategies for Nigeria to overcome neo-colonialism, emphasizing mental decolonization, internal solutions, cultural revival, good governance, economic self-reliance, and forming strong alliances with other African nations.
Conclusion: Reaffirms that African societies were well-organized before Western invasion and that neo-colonialism is a continuing obstacle to development, urging Nigeria to resist imperialist schemes and take courageous steps towards genuine liberation.
References: Lists all cited sources, providing academic credibility to the arguments presented in the work.
Keywords
Neo-colonialism, Nigeria, Colonialism, Western Arrogance, Economic Dependence, Political Control, Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), Debt Crisis, Corruption, Terrorism, Cultural Manipulation, Pan-Africanism, Development, Sovereignty, Foreign Aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this work fundamentally about?
This work fundamentally explores the concept of neo-colonialism, examining its historical roots, its contemporary manifestations in Nigeria, and the challenges it poses to the nation's development and sovereignty.
What are the central thematic areas?
The central thematic areas include the historical context of Western colonialism, the definition and characteristics of neo-colonialism, its economic and political impacts on Nigeria, the role of corrupt leadership and terrorism, and proposed strategies for resistance and genuine liberation.
What is the primary goal or research question?
The primary goal is to critically analyze what neo-colonialism entails, how it is implemented and executed, its effects on Nigeria, and what actions Nigeria and its citizens can take to disentangle themselves from its grip.
Which scientific method or approach is used?
The work employs a critical analytical approach, drawing on historical evidence, political theory, economic analysis, and socio-cultural observations, supported by extensive references to scholarly works and historical accounts.
What is covered in the main part?
The main part of the work covers the theoretical framework of neo-colonialism, its specific application and effects within the Nigerian context, including economic dependencies, political corruption, and social issues like terrorism and cultural manipulation, and then outlines practical solutions.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms characterizing this work are neo-colonialism, Nigeria, economic dependence, political control, corruption, terrorism, cultural manipulation, and sovereignty.
How does the author connect historical colonialism to modern neo-colonialism?
The author connects historical colonialism to neo-colonialism by arguing that the former laid the foundation for the latter, leaving behind institutions, structures, and socio-cultural norms that enable continued indirect control and exploitation even after formal independence.
What specific economic mechanisms are identified as tools of neo-colonialism in Nigeria?
Specific economic mechanisms include Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP), foreign aid with conditionalities, currency devaluation, trade liberalization, reliance on foreign loans leading to debt crises, and the activities of multinational corporations.
How is corruption linked to the perpetuation of neo-colonialism in Nigeria?
Corruption is presented as a fertile ground for neo-colonialism, as it allows external powers to manipulate Nigerian leaders through inducements and support, leading to policies that favor foreign interests over national development and result in the siphoning of the country's wealth.
What are the proposed "ways forward" for Nigeria to escape neo-colonial influence?
Proposed solutions include mental decolonization, looking inwards for solutions, promoting local cultures and languages, good governance, economic self-reliance, protecting national sovereignty, and forming strong alliances with other African nations to present a united front.
- Quote paper
- Evarist Okpala (Author), 2025, The Western Arrogance Christened Neo-Colonialism. Its Challenges in Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1609504
