Colonial Africa: The World’s First Great Power Competition

Published June 27, 2024

The world’s first great power competition between European nations like Great Britain, Germany, Belgium, and France led to Africa’s present-day fragmentation and economies built on the exportation of raw materials. Former US Ambassador and Hoover Fellow, Jendayi Frazer, provides a rich historical context on this power competition’s lasting impact, as well as the impact of the later Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Understanding the significance of these historical windows creates a clearer picture of the ongoing, present-day great power competition between the United States and China.

Check out more from Jendayi Frazer:

• Read "Engaging Africa on its Own Terms" by Jendayi Frazer here.
• Read "The Kosovo Conditions and the Case for American Unilateral Recognition of Somaliland" by Oliver McPherson-Smith & Jendayi Frazer here.
• Watch "Interest in South Africa Political Developments," an interview with Jendayi Frazer here.

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