The Cold War in Africa

Abstract

Africa, as a theatre of the Cold War, seemed to offer ample opportunities to both sides. The needs of newly independent African states were certainly great. Colonial powers at best only provided the minimum basis for building nations. Health and education systems were rudimentary. Economies were woefully underdeveloped. Political elites were miniscule and inexperienced. Political instability, recurrent humanitarian crises associated with war and climate change, ever deepening debt and poverty and finally the scourge of AIDS were the experiences of independent African nations. Africa’s needs, in short, were massive. Yet African nations were reluctant to rely completely on former colonial rulers for aid. Not only was such aid utterly inadequate, accepting it suggested continuing dependence and offended national pride.