The New Scramble for Africa: Imperialism, Neoliberalism, and the Quest for Power

The rise of imperialism and neoliberalism in recent decades has sparked a new race for Africa's resources, giving birth to what some call the "New Scramble for Africa". This phenomenon, which shares parallels with the European scramble for Africa in the late 19th century, has reinvigorated debates on power dynamics, resource exploitation, and economic inequality.

In this article, we will explore the historical context of imperialism, the emergence of neoliberalism, and their combined impact on Africa's current socio-economic landscape. We will also delve into the motivations behind the new scramble for Africa, analyzing the key players and their strategies in securing control over the continent's valuable resources.

The Historical Context: Imperialism in Africa

Imperialism, a policy of expanding a nation's power and influence through territorial acquisition or economic control, has a long history in Africa. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 marked the beginning of the European scramble for Africa, as colonial powers partitioned the continent among themselves.

Extracting Profit: Imperialism, Neoliberalism and the New Scramble for Africa

by Latéfa Faïz (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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During this period, Africa's vast resources, such as diamonds, gold, and rubber, were exploited by European powers for their own economic gain. African populations suffered under the control of foreign powers, experiencing forced labor, cultural suppression, and political subjugation.

The Rise of Neoliberalism and its Impact on Africa

In the latter half of the 20th century, the concept of neoliberalism gained prominence. Neoliberal policies focused on promoting free markets, privatization, and reducing government intervention in the economy. This ideology was enthusiastically embraced by Western powers and international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Despite promises of economic growth and prosperity, neoliberal policies often exacerbated poverty and inequality in Africa. Forced by structural adjustment programs, African governments had to open up their markets to foreign investors, resulting in the exploitation of natural resources without substantial benefits for the local population.

The New Scramble for Africa: Motivations and Players

With the rise of China as an economic powerhouse, a new race for Africa's resources has emerged. China's investments in African infrastructure projects, such as roads, railways, and ports, have fueled concerns about a new form of economic imperialism.

Western powers, fearing losing their influence, have also intensified their efforts to secure access to Africa's resources. The United States and European nations have ramped up military presence, established military bases, and engaged in diplomatic campaigns aimed at solidifying their interests in the region.

Strategies for Control: Economic Leverage and Military Presence

Major powers utilize various strategies to gain control over Africa's resources. Economic leverage is a powerful tool, with foreign investors often offering financial assistance and development projects in exchange for favorable trade agreements or resource extraction rights.

Military presence is another method used to secure control. By establishing military bases and forging alliances with African governments, major powers ensure stability in their operations and protect their interests from potential competitors.

The Impact on Africa: Power Dynamics and Resource Exploitation

The consequences of the new scramble for Africa are felt deeply by the continent's population. Despite the promises of development, many African countries continue to experience high poverty rates, limited access to education and healthcare, and rampant corruption.

Resource exploitation remains a significant challenge, as multinational corporations often prioritize profits over sustainable development. This perpetuates a cycle of economic dependency, hindering Africa's self-sufficiency and impeding its ability to use its resources for the benefit of its people.

The Path Ahead: Empowering Africa for a Sustainable Future

In order to break free from the chains of imperialism and neoliberalism, Africa needs to harness its resources and strengthen its economies. Building strong institutions, investing in education and healthcare, and promoting sustainable development can help African nations regain control over their own destiny.

Furthermore, fostering regional cooperation and unity can provide Africa with a united front against the predatory actions of external forces. By engaging in fair trade practices and pursuing equitable partnerships, Africa can shape its own narrative and play a leading role in the global arena.

The new scramble for Africa represents a complex web of power dynamics, resource exploitation, and economic inequality. Understanding the historical context of imperialism and the rise of neoliberalism is crucial to comprehending this contemporary phenomenon.

By critically analyzing the motivations and strategies employed by major powers, we gain insight into the complex dynamics at play. It is only through empowering Africa and promoting sustainable development that the continent can break free from the chains of imperialism and forge a path towards self-determination and prosperity.

Extracting Profit: Imperialism, Neoliberalism and the New Scramble for Africa

by Latéfa Faïz (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2736 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	500 pages

FREE

Extracting profit explains why Africa, in the first decade and a half of the twenty-first century, has undergone an economic boom. This period of “Africa rising” did not lead to the creation of jobs but has instead fueled the growth of the extraction of natural resources and an increasingly-wealthy African ruling class.