1. To what extent did decolonization alter the power hierarchy in the international system?

:
a What is Decolonization?
i Colonization is the process whereby a nation establishes and maintains its domination of overseas territories What
we normally characterize as decolonization is the collapse of colonial empires and the creation of new nation-
states across the colonizing country. otherly known in the decades following WW2 as the Third World.
2. Power Hierarchy in the International system:
a In the mid to late 19th century, the European powers colonized much of Africa and Southeast Asia. During the decades of
imperialism, the industrializing powers of Europe viewed the African and Asian continents as reservoirs of raw materials,
labor, and territory for future settlement Colonial rule drew arbitrary natural boundaries, dividing ethnic and linguistic
groups and natural features, and laying the foundation for the creation of numerous states lacking geographic, linguistic,
ethnic, or political affinity
3. Decolonisation in Africa:
a By 1963, all of Africa had achieved independence from Great Britain, except Rhodesia. 2. In 1945 the French army
violently repressed the frequent demonstrations of nationalist feeling. fuelled by demands for independence. The
authorities treated Algeria as an integral part of French territory. 3. France also could not maintain control of their colonies
: by 1960, all of them achieved independence at the exception of Algeria two years later 4. For instance, the French
protectorates in Morocco and Tunisia obtained their independence in 1956 through negotiation. though. in contrast,
Algeria & Kenya both went through guerilla warfare. 5. In many parts of Africa, including South Africa, the presence of
European immigrants interfered with negotiations, resulted in violence, and impeded transition of power. The withdrawal
of resources and lack of preparation for the indigenous people to regain control complicated matters further

4. Decolonisation in Asia:
a Just like Europe, the impacts of World War 2 in Asia dealt a serious blow to the colonial powers, depriving them of their
former wide-ranging prestige on the country. In parallel, decolonization coincided with the Cold War, which also led to

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 huge intervention in Asian affairs from the major powers. From 1945 to 1952 Japan was under Allied military occupation,
headed by the Supreme commandment for allied powers (SCAP), Although nominally directed by a multinational Far
Eastern Commission in Washington. DC, and an Allied Council in Tokyo-which included the USA, the Soviet union,
China, and the Commonwealth countries. Japanese occupation countries in South-East Asia showed the weakness of the
European hold over the region.

5. How did decolonisation alter the power hierarchy in the international system?:
a The newly independent nations that emerged in the 1950s and the 1960s become an important factor in changing the
balance of power within the United Nations. In 1946, there were 35 member states in the United Nations, as the newly
independent nations of the "third world" joined the organization, by 1970 membership had swelled to 127. These new
member states had a few characteristics in common; they were non-white, with developing economies, facing internal
problems that were the result of their colonial past, which sometimes put them at odds with European countries and made
them suspicious of Europeon-style governmental structures, political ideas, and economic institutions. These countries
also became vocal advocates of continuing decolonization, with the result thot the UN Assembly was often ahead of the
Security Counite on issues of self-governance and decolonizotion. The new nations pushed the UN toward accepting
resolutions for independence for colonial states and creating a special committee on colonialism, demonstrating that even
though some nations continued to struggle for independence, in the eyes of the international community, the colonial era
was ending

6. The Decline of European Colonialism:

a The Great Powers in Europe, including Britain and France came under increasing economic strain when they attempted to
preserve and reassert imperial rule throughout their respective empires due to the growth of nationalist movements in the
colonies Decolonisation in this period was a result of a synergetic combination of European weakness and colonial
strength. Britain lost Great Power status in the period between 1940-1942, as that was the time of the collapse of the
British imperial power due to the impact of WW2. France, Belgium and Holland had been 'crushingly defeated' by the
Nazi's and were in the process of recovering from their wartime occupation; whereas Portugal were in much the same
position as they had been pre-1939 as they had remained neutral throughout the War.
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7. Conclusion:

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8.

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9.
a In the ten years following the end of the Second World War, with successive waves of decolonisation in Asia and Africo,
the Third World took its place as a new player in the international arena Moreover, decolonization after WW2 altered the
power hierarchy in the international system to a large extent. The newly independent countries of Asia and Africa refused
to align themselves with the two superpowers. The Bandung Conference, in Indonesia, held from 17 to 24 April 1955,
brought together some 29 delegates from African and Asian countries. They affirmed their determination to remain
independent and non- aligned with respect to either the United States or the Soviet Union. They opposed colonialism and
encouraged people still under colonial rule to fight for their freedom. And that is well known, as we should call it: the
emergence of the non-aligned movement" among the United Nations.
10. 'The Cold War was fought in the Third World'. Discuss:
a War of Ideas For the two main characters the war was ideological: Soviet Union (Communism) vs United States
(Capitalism) Involved the Space Race, embargoes, psychological war... Soviet Union wanted to expand communism,
while the United States sought to contain it However, despite threats, there was no direct military harm caused to either
territory because of the fear of nuclear warfare.

11. The Third World during the Cold War:

a The term "Third World" appeared in the beginning of the Cold War referring to previously colonized countries now
becoming independent. New and unstable governments were easy to overthrow and the political parties were more likely
to accept foreign aid, military support, and, therefore, subject to their political influence. ’ Truman doctrine The
underdevelopment of these countries allow for manipulation and the use of violent tactics due to the frequent lack of rule
of law in these nations. Support of rebellions and vigilantism (ex: Alsa Masa, Philippines) to combat communist or
capitalist forces
12. Proxy Wars Proxy War: a war instigated by a major power which does not itself become involved The Cold War instigated
over 50 proxy wars all over the world, mostly in the Third World. Instigated by political parties seeking to switch the
government. Support was often received from the Soviet Union or the United States. Examples: Korean War, 1950-1953
Congo Crisis, 1960-1965 Angolan Civil War, 1974-2002:

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 a Proxy Wars Disclaimer: Many of these wars would still have been fought despite the Cold War. The unique situations
provided an opportunity for the powers to expand their ideologies. Foreign aid upped the scale of these wars and added
incentives for the winner. Examples: Korean War, 1950-1953 Congo Crisis, 1960-1965 Angolan Civil War, 1974-2002
13. Angolan Civil War:
a The Angolan Civil War started in 1975 after the official decolonisation of Angola when a prime minister change in
Portugal gave the opportunity to gain independence. The capital, Luanda, is immediately seized by the MPLA, the
Angolan communist party, as they establish themselves as the new government. They are countered by a rival government
by the FNLA and UNITA.
14. Foreign Aid in Angola:
a MPLA Soviet intelligence Received $500 million worth of military gear illegally through French and Russian contacts
Cuba: Deployed 50,000 troops to defend against coups

15. Foreign Aid in Angola FNLA France supplied loans and troops % of US Zaire budget directed to them Weapons from
Israel and China:
a Foreign Aid in Angola UNITA US supplied $15-20 million dollars of military essentials per year Support from other
African nations South Africa: $80 million in military Training and logistics Led invasions on the capital
16. Aftermath:
a Although the Cold War officially ended in 1991, the immense influence once introduced by these superpowers has lasting
effects that still affect Third World countries today. Example: The support of the United States for the anti-communist
vigilante groups in the Philippines has sparked a culture that is lenient to the murderous behaviour of such groups. Today,
many government supported vigilante groups are committing countless murders as their solution to rid the country of
crime.
17. Explain the causes and consequences of the collapse of the Bretton Woods System:
a The Bretton Woods System Key informations : July 1944
b Change in the global monetary system : US dollar is the new global currency US : Dominant economic power Will of
international economic growth Will of preventing the world from the interwar problems Benefits from both sides
18. Two institutions : The IMF : Holds money and gold given by each country Theses countries could borrow money from it
depending on their contributions:
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 a Two institutions : The World Bank : Is not a Bank Lend money to help rebuild EU countries after WW2 - Changed to
emerging market countries They both became operational in 1945
19. II The collapse Key informations : Between 1968 and 1973 Turning point :
a deflation in dollar's value ordered by Nixon First Devaluation :
b Second Devaluation : Unhook (August 1971): From $35/g to From $38/g to Goes up to $38/g $42/g $120/g:
c The collapse : Why? Until 1958: "dollar shortage period" The US were providing liquidity to the world by having a
deficit of their own currency After 1958: unattractiveness of the dollar: Triffin Dilemma

20. The Triffin Dilemma/Paradox Comes from the fact that the system needed the current account deficit of the US to work:
a Deficit Loss of trust (1945-1958) OR Slows down Surplus growth of trade (1958-1971) Both solutions were bad for the
US Theorised by the economist Robert Triffin
21. Two other causes: US Decline : Japan and E.E.C close to the US Clear decline of US dominance Only had 38% of the gold
in 1961:
a Problem resolutions: - By the IMF, US monetary authorities and G10 Not efficient on the long-run
22. III Consequences: -
a New stage characterised by the development of globalised production and the domination of an international financial
market Smithsonian Institute Agreement : New financial system for G10 countries signed in 1971 Advanced countries
adopted a managed floating exchange rate system that is still in application nowadays.
23. Stagflation Period Mix of recession/stagnation with inflation Slow economic growth High unemployment and inflation rate
Began in the UK in the late 60's, but spread across Europe and US inflation -Growth UK Relation between economic
growth and inflation in the UK:
a Example: The October Stock
b Market collapse - 29th of October 1987 - Biggest crash for a stock market in 24h Comes from the US, but affected the
whole stability of the global economy - Lead to a boost of the Japanese buble, which ends up bursting in 1990
24. Crises of the 1990's decade
a Sterling crisis (1992)
b Turbulence in the bond market (1994) –
c Mexican bailout (1995)

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d Asian crisis (1997)
e Russian default (1998):
f Crises of the 1990's decade

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