Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Begin by setting the context of the question: discuss the aims of decolonization policies in the 20th century, including granting independence and ending colonial rule. Mention that while decolonization aimed to give African nations self-governance, its legacy ...
Model Answer The multi-decade conflict between Israel and Palestine is deeply rooted in several historical, territorial, and political factors, making it difficult to resolve. Historical Factors Balfour Declaration (1917): This British declaration supported the establishment of a "national home forRead more
Model Answer
The multi-decade conflict between Israel and Palestine is deeply rooted in several historical, territorial, and political factors, making it difficult to resolve.
Historical Factors
- Balfour Declaration (1917): This British declaration supported the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, leading to large-scale Jewish immigration to the region. This provoked significant tension with the native Arab population, culminating in the 1936 Palestinian Arab Uprising .
- Nakba (1948): The UN’s proposed partition plan in 1947 and the subsequent 1948 Arab-Israeli war resulted in the displacement of approximately 750,000 Palestinians. This event, known as the Nakba (“catastrophe”), remains a pivotal moment in Palestinian identity and is a constant source of resentment .
Territorial Disputes
- Indivisibility of Territory: Both Israelis and Palestinians claim the same land, particularly the area encompassing Jerusalem, which is sacred to both groups. This territorial claim is further complicated by Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and Gaza after the wars of 1948 and 1967 .
- Settlements: The construction of Israeli settlements in occupied territories, deemed illegal by international law, has fueled resentment and opposition from Palestinians, exacerbating tensions. These settlements have led to repeated uprisings such as the First Intifada in 1987 .
Extremism and Violent Responses
- Extremist Groups: Radical elements such as Hamas have hindered peace efforts through violent acts, including suicide bombings. The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by a Jewish extremist in 1995 further derailed peace negotiations after the Oslo Accords .
Third-Party Influence
- Foreign Interventions: External actors, such as the US and Iran, have exacerbated the conflict. The US’s support for Israel, influenced by the Jewish lobby, and Iran’s backing of Hamas have polarized the region, intensifying hostilities .
- In conclusion, the conflict’s persistence is shaped by these complex historical, territorial, and external factors, with no easy path to resolution.
Model Answer Introduction The political instability in present-day Africa is deeply intertwined with the decolonization policies of the 20th century. These policies aimed at ending colonial rule and granting independence to African nations, yet their implementation led to several challenges that conRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The political instability in present-day Africa is deeply intertwined with the decolonization policies of the 20th century. These policies aimed at ending colonial rule and granting independence to African nations, yet their implementation led to several challenges that continue to affect the continent today.
Historical Legacy: Artificial Borders and Ethnic Tensions
A key factor contributing to political instability in Africa is the artificial borders drawn during the colonial era, which often ignored ethnic, cultural, and linguistic divisions. The decolonization process, rather than addressing these issues, solidified these boundaries. This has led to ongoing ethnic tensions and violent conflicts.
Example: The 1994 genocide in Rwanda between the Hutus and Tutsis and the ethnic conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan are stark reminders of how colonial borders have exacerbated divisions.
Weak Institutions and Governance Issues
Decolonization often involved a rapid transition to independence without sufficient time to build strong institutions. As a result, many African countries inherited weak political and administrative structures, which led to governance failures.
Example: Corruption and poor governance in Nigeria and political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlight these challenges.
Economic Dependency and Inequalities
Colonial economies were designed to serve the interests of the colonial powers, leaving African nations with economies that were heavily dependent on exports and vulnerable to external influences. This dependency has hindered development and exacerbated social inequalities, leading to instability.
Example: Resource-driven conflicts, such as those in Nigeria’s Niger Delta and the Democratic Republic of Congo, illustrate how economic inequalities contribute to instability.
External Interference and Neocolonialism
Decolonization did not end external influence. Foreign powers continue to manipulate political processes and exploit resources, perpetuating instability.
Example: The intervention in Libya after Gaddafi’s fall and the exploitation of Congo’s resources by international corporations show the ongoing neocolonial impact.
Conclusion
While other internal factors, such as corruption and governance failures, contribute to Africa’s instability, the decolonization policies of the 20th century have played a central role in shaping the continent’s current political landscape. The legacy of colonial borders, weak institutions, and economic dependency continues to fuel political instability today.
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