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Effects of Colonization: Additional Resources


These references supplement the Knowledge Base Essay, Effects of Colonization.

Additional Explanations of the Underlying Concepts:

Online (Web) Sources

Contemporary Postcolonial & Postimperial Literature in English.
Available at:
http://www.postcolonialweb.org/  [Backup Link]
This website offers access to an array of resources on postcolonialism and postimperialism. There are many different sections including some on specific formerly-colonized nations, and others on history, politics, religion, postcolonial theory, gender issues, diasporas, and other academic resources on the subject. This site is essentially a storehouse of information on postcolonial studies. It has a particular concentration on the following world regions/nations: Africa, Australia, India, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, Caribbean, and United Kingdom.

Jorgenson, Bent D. "Ethnic Boundaries and the Margins of the Margin: In a Postcolonial and Conflict Resolution Perspective." , December 1997
Available at:
http://www.gmu.edu/academic/pcs/jorgens.html  [Backup Link]

This essay describes ethnic boundaries and explores how they are viewed by two different theoretical fields, postcolonialism and conflict resolution.

Tishkov, Valery. "History and Legacies of the USSR: The Demise of a Multiethnic Experiment." Searching for Peace in Europe and Eurasia , 2002
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

In spite of being relatively peaceful, the dissolution of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics generated a lot of social and ethnic tension as well as violent clashes and internal wars. What was the nature of this multiethnic state and of the Soviet ethnic engineering, and what were the reasons for the breakup? What are the legacies of the USSR that embedded painful memories, old and new cleavages, and potential conflict? - Abstract

Carey, Henry F. "The Postcolonial State and the Protection of Human Rights." Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Vol. 22, No. 1 & 2 , 2002
Available at:
http://www.cssaame.com/issues/22/Carey.pdf  [Backup Link]

This essay examines the human rights records of postcolonial states, in its effort to find out if there are important connections between their past colonial heritage, and present day human rights practices.

Offline (Print) Sources

Loomba, Ania. Colonialism/Postcolonialism. New York: Routledge, April 1998.
This introductory text explores the historical aspects and theoretical concepts associated with colonial and post-colonial studies. The author discusses the key characteristics of the ideologies and history of colonialism, the relationship of colonial discourse to literature, challenges to colonialism, and recent developments in post-colonial theories and histories in the writings of contemporary theorists.

Said, Edward W. Culture and Imperialism, Reprint Edition. New York: Vintage Books, June 1994.
This is a foundational work in the field of post-colonial studies, dealing more with the literary aspect of the field. In the book, well-known scholar Edward Said, traces themes in 19th and 20th century literature as well as modern mass media, which demonstrate how such outlets have served as tools for dominating other cultures. The work shows how cultures can be dominated by words, and also how colonized cultures can be liberated by reviving old voices or developing new voices for the future.

Ashcroft, Bill . Post-Colonial Transformation. London: Routledge, January 1, 2001.
This book uses new theories to examine how colonial legacies have impacted and transformed post-colonial societies. Primary Link  [Backup Link]

Ghandi, Leela. Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. New York: Columbia University Press, April 15, 1998.
"This is the first book of its kind to clearly map out the field of postcolonialism in its own terms. The book provides an overview of postcolonialism's pervasiveness in the academy, and lucidly illustrates the debates about the often conflicting consensus regarding the proper content, scope and relevance of its concerns. The book also elaborates on the themes and issues that have engaged the attention of postcolonial critics. From its influence in Marxism and poststructuralism, from the work of Edward Said to Salman Rushdie, from feminist imperialism to globalization and hybridity, Gandhi demonstrates the ethical concern that postcolonial theory can offer: how to take into account diversity without erasing distinct diasporas of difference." -From Publisher

Griffiths, Gareth, Helen Tiffen and Bill Ashcroft, eds. The Post-Colonial Studies Reader. New York: Routledge, March 1995.
This volume includes a comprehensive set of nearly ninety key texts in post-colonial theory and criticism. The essays were compiled in order to introduce readers to the major issues and debates in the field of post-colonial studies. The essays cover a wide variety of concerns regarding the legacy and consequences of colonialism.

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Examples Illustrating this Topic:

Online (Web) Sources

Havermans, Jos. "Central African Republic: Ethnic Strife in a Democratic Setting." , 2000
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This is an article about the struggle of the Central African Republic and its ethnic strife. The paper details efforts at peacemaking, which have primarily been led by the United Nations delegates and peacekeeping troops. The essay also examines how the Central African Republic's colonial past, has influenced and affected many of its current problems.

Posthumus, Bram. "Chad: Can the Cycle of War be Broken?." , 2000
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This is an article about war in Chad that discusses the never-ending cycle that may one day be broken. It was originally published in the book Searching for Peace in Africa edited by Monique Mekenkamp, Paul van Tongren and Hans van de Veen and published by the European Platform for Conflict Prevention and Transformation.

Achodo, Charles Chidi. Conflict and Post Conflict: Patterns, Issues, Impact on Economic Development and Povert Cycle in Countries in Africa.
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]
This paper discusses the difficulty that many African nations have experienced as they have tried to transition from colonial rule to independent nation-states. In addition to covering the general causes of many post-colonial African conflicts, the paper also discusses how the potential for economic development in Africa is affected by conflict.

Democracy and Deep-Rooted Conflict Case Study: Sri Lanka.
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]
This is a case study of Sri Lanka featured in Democracy and Deep-rooted Conflict edited by Peter Harris and Ben Reilly. The study examines the Tamil-Sinhalese conflict, which involved some of the most combustible factors in ethnic relations: language, religion, long historical memories of tensions and conflict, and a prolonged separatist agitation. The analysis offers a discussion of efforts at conflict management including employment, education, land distribution, the devolution of power and the external influences of India.

Exiting the Communist Brotherhood: Ethnic Kin-Group Conflicts in Transitioning Southeast Europe States.
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This essay examines the role the collapse of the Soviet Union and nationalism has played in Eastern European conflicts.

Mekenkamp, Monique. "Guinea-Bissau: Democracy Restored by a Military Coup?." , 1999
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article describes the post-colonial power struggle in Guinea-Bissau and debates whether or not the nation's democracy was restored by a military coup.

Rodrigues, Maria Guadalupe Moog. "Indigenous Rights in Democratic Brazil." Human Rights Quarterly , May 2002
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This is a historical overview and analysis of the rights of indigenous people in Brazil. Beginning with colonial policies, the author describes how indigenous rights have progressed.

Melber, Henning. "Liberation Without Democracy? Flaws of Post-Colonial Systems in Southern Africa." Development and Cooperation, No. 1 , 2002
Available at:
http://www.inwent.org/E+Z/1997-2002/de102-7.htm  [Backup Link]

This essay explains how some post-colonial societies in Africa are adopting the same undemocratic governmental structures and strategies that were used during the colonial era.

Posthumus, Bram. "Mali: Successful Mediation Effort Could Lead to Lasting Peace." , 2000
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article outlies the dynamics of the rebel insurgency in Mali in the early 1990s and the subsequent peace efforts that took place. It is noted that the mediated peace settlement has been successful mostly because of inclusive stakeholder representation and participation.

"Moldova Narrative: Origins and Background Conditions of the Moldova / Niester Conflict." Conflict Early Warning Systems (CEWS), 1900.
Available at:
http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/ir/cews/database/Moldova/moldova.pdf  [Backup Link]

This essays offers insights into the Moldova Niester conflict by: providing historical facts about the area; explaining the multi-dimensional cultural and social aspects of the conflict; and detailing the emergence of the conflict following independence from Soviet Russia.

Posthumus, Bram. "Mozambique: An End to an Imported War." , 1999
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article examines the conflict and peace process in Mozambique, particularly the process of ending guerilla warfare and establishing stable peace in that country.

Posthumus, Bram. "Niger: A Long History, a Brief Conflict, an Open Future." , 2000
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article profiles the conflict in Niger between the nomadic Tuareg people and state authorities, which is rooted in structural changes made during the colonial era as well as post-colonial repression.

Ekeh, Raphael Chirna. "Nigeria: Aguleri-Umuleri Conflict - The Theatre of Fratricidal War." , 1999
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This is an article about the land dispute in Nigeria between the Aguleri and the Umuleri, which is rooted in the pre-colonial social dynamics of the region.

Posthumus, Bram. "Senegal: An End in Sight to Casamance Violence?." , 2000
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article discusses the conflict between Casamance, the southern, geographically distinct part of Senegal, and the Senegalese government. People in the region of Casamance have rebelled against the government due to feeling short-changed by the State. Much of the conflict management efforts there have revolved around containing the importation and distribution of small arms.

Posthumus, Bram. "Sierra Leone: Real Battles Lie Ahead." , 2001
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article details the history of violent conflict in Sierra Leone, including its connection to events in neighboring Liberia. The author outlines the various efforts that have been made to bring peace to the west African nation.

Galama, Anneke. "The Comores: Independence or Back to Colonial Times?." , 1999
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This article discusses the post-colonial struggle for political and economic stability in the Republic of Grande Comoros, an island group off the coast of Mozambique. A Frecn colony until 1975, the Cmores is one of Africa's poorest nations and has struggled with many coup attempts and violent conflict for decades.

The Social Cost of Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Crisis, Population, Environment.
Available at:
http://www.afrika.no/Detailed/2673.html  [Backup Link]
This article discusses the trials of the post-colonial transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The piece examines the perception of troubled post-colonial nation-states, simply as failed political entities. Instead, the multi-dimensional causes of the Congolese crisis are outlined, particularly the legacy of the Belgian colonial system. The piece covers much regarding the conflicts that have occurred in DRC since its independence in 1960, as well as prospects for the future.

Kerslake, Lorraine. "Two Equal and Sovereign People - The Cyprus Question: A result of Colonialism?." , 1900
Available at:
http://www.skynet.ie/~peacesoc/read/cyprus.html  [Backup Link]

This article looks at Cyprus's past colonial history and future position with the European Union.

Leenders, Reinoud. "Western Sahara: Africa's Last Colony." , 2000
Available at:
Primary Link  [Backup Link]

This paper details the turbulent history of Western Sahara, which still struggles for clear-cut independence in the wake of its colonial history. Morocco has militarily dominated the territory since the end of colonial rule, but no official agreement has ever been reached.

Offline (Print) Sources

Ciment, James. Angola and Mozambique: Postcolonial Wars in Southern Africa. New York: Facts on File, Inc., April 1997.
This work covers the conflicts in Angola and Mozambique, which followed trhese countries' liberation from colonial rule in 1975. Both nations have been devastated by conflict for decades. This work outlines the complex historical, political, and cultural context of the conflicts, explains key issues, identifies players and assesses prospects for the future.

Katz, Mark N. "Collapsed Empires." In Managing Global Chaos: Sources of and Responses to International Conflict. Edited by Aall, Pamela, ed. Washington, D.C.: United States Institute of Peace Press, January 1, 1996.
This chapter In Managing Global Chaos: Sources of and Responses to International Conflict, edited by Chester A. Crocker, Fen Olser Hampson, and Pamela Aall, discusses the impact the dissolution of the Soviet Union has had on international relations, particularly Eastern Europe.

Bagu, Chom. "Mitigating Conflict and Eradicating Poverty in Nigeria's North Central Region: A Critical Assessment of Current Efforts." Journal of Peacebuilding & Development 1:1, 2002.
The author argues that Nigeria should use conflict prevention methods to combat not only situations of inter-group conflict, but also of social conflict such as poverty.

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Audiovisual Materials on this Topic:

Offline (Print) Sources

A Republic Gone Mad: Rwanda 1894-1994. Directed and/or Produced by: de Heusch, Luc and Kathleen de Bethune. First Run Icarus Films. 1996.
This film delves into the history of Rwanda to tell the story of how colonization impacted ethnic relations between the Hutu and Tutsi. Primary Link  [Backup Link]

Afrique, je te plumerai / Africa, I Will Fleece You . Directed and/or Produced by: Teno, Jean-Marie. California Newsreel. 1992.
This film focuses on Cameroon and looks at the impacts colonial policies continue to have on independent African countries. Primary Link  [Backup Link]

Daresalam / Let There Be Peace. Directed and/or Produced by: Coelo, Issa Serge . California Newsreel. 2000.
By focusing on a number of post-colonial Africa civil wars, this film elicits the core causes associated with them. Primary Link  [Backup Link]

Division of Hearts. Directed and/or Produced by: Khanna, Satti and Peter Chappell. First Run Icarus Films. 1987.
This film documents the voices of Pakistanis, Indians, and Bangladeshis as they recount want occurred when Britain subdivided colonial India, and the impact this event is still having on their lives, forty years later. Primary Link  [Backup Link]

Five Centuries Later . Directed and/or Produced by: Gutierrez, German. First Run Icarus Films. 1992.
This film offers a look at the effects colonization continues to have on the indigenous populations of Central American, five hundred years after Western Europeans took control of this area. Primary Link  [Backup Link]

The Last Colonials. Directed and/or Produced by: Michel, Thierry. First Run Icarus Films. 1995.
This film takes a revealing visit to Zaire just after its independence. It focuses on white land owners who believe that independence was a mistake, and that their former colonialist way of life will be restored. Primary Link  [Backup Link]

Yugoslavia: Origins of a War . Directed and/or Produced by: Talczewski, Christophe. First Run Icarus Films. 1992.
This film highlights historical factors and key issues associated with conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. Primary Link  [Backup Link]

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