Berlin Conference examines the profound and lasting impact of the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference on Africa. It explores how European powers, driven by 19th-century European imperialism and the Scramble for Africa, arbitrarily divided the continent, disregarding existing ethnic and cultural boundaries. This book argues that these artificial borders, established through political machinations and diplomacy, are a primary source of political instability and economic underdevelopment in many African nations today. The division, fueled by economic ambition, resulted in Africa being carved up with little regard for its inhabitants.
The book meticulously unfolds by first introducing the key European players and their motivations. It then analyzes the Conference itself, using records and treaties to reveal the decision-making processes behind the territorial divisions. Finally, it investigates the immediate and long-term impacts, demonstrating how these borders continue to fuel ethnic tensions and impede political development.
One key insight is how these imposed borders disrupted traditional trade routes. This study connects to political science, international relations, and postcolonial studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in world history.
