Why Europe conquered the world :: Mmegi Online

In the wake of the refugee crisis engulfing Europe, Mmegi Correspondent, JAN WAREUS* gives his take on the highly debated issue

In the discussions about the underdevelopment of Africa, liberal intellectuals are highlighting colonialism. So are socialists but adding capitalism. In my view, this is mostly quite correct but only for a limited period from 1850 up to this date and for the Anglo-American and European (AAE) imperialism and dominance. As I see it, we have to widen the historical perspective and cover the last half millennium, more or less. And thus, we are into the heading of this essay.

Today political scribes are frequently, in matters of importance to Africa, using conceptions like Capitalism, Communism, Neo-liberalism, Marxism, Imperialism and Colonialism when discussing the state of the world and Africa. As if magical words are needed to save us and guarantee necessary changes.