56 pages 1 hour read

Kwame Nkrumah

Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1965

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Themes

The Nature of Neo-Colonialism

Neo-Colonialism is Kwame Nkrumah’s attempt to define an evolution in colonialism that he has experienced firsthand. As the prime minister and president of a recently-independent country like Ghana, he has borne witness to how the imperial powers have altered the way they exploit their former colonies. Nkrumah thus seeks to examine and expose the nature of neo-colonialism, presenting it as a new form of colonialism that enables earlier patterns of imperialist exploitation and injustice to continue.

According to Nkrumah, under neo-colonialism a country may appear to be independent and sovereign but it is, in reality, controlled by foreign powers. Unlike traditional colonialism—whereby control was exerted through direct military or political rule—neo-colonialism operates more subtly. The imperial powers achieve their dominance through the monopolies created by western corporations and investments, which extract African resources while funneling the profits back into western nations instead of the African countries themselves. The imperial powers also manipulate aid by making it conditional upon African countries conforming to western interests, and by supporting local elites who serve foreign interests. Nkrumah argues that neo-colonialism is therefore a major obstacle to true African independence and development, as it robs Africa of its natural resources and wealth while providing very little profit or sovereignty for African peoples.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 56 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools