Why are Military Takeovers so Frequent in Postcolonial...

For many years, the African continent has been a center for political unrest. Much of that political unrest is blamed on the extended period of European colonization that the continent was forced to endure. Because of ethnic differences, natural resources, and ineffective governments, Africa has been subject to many military takeovers in the postcolonial period. Military takeovers are not unique to Africa. Like of many similar countries, the developing countries in Africa are naturally more susceptible to coup d’à ©tats than their developed counterparts. The perfect storm of economic and social inequities, coupled with the inability to provide for the basic necessities of its citizens often results in a regime change through any means†¦show more content†¦Because of the level of corruption of many African governments, the head of government often benefits greatly from these resources while the country’s citizens do not. Lastly, distrust, corruption, and inefficiency in the government of many African nations coupled with the great deal of respect many African nations hold for the military also explains the frequency of military takeovers. Many times in democratic African nations there is a lack of political pluralism, meaning that one particular party dominates that political scene and, for the most part, can enact its platform. This lack of diversity in politics does not mesh with the vast cultural pluralism experienced by many African nations. Eventually, when the groups not adequately represented in government are discontent enough, the military may intervene and force a change of regime. Ironically, Africa also experiences excess political pluralism. Because of the many difference ethnic groups represented inside of countries, political parties tend to reflect these ethnic groups. If there are too many groups represented in government, all of which are uncompromising, there will be a stalemate in government and the citizen will again be discontent. This too creates an ineffective government, which may cause a military takeover to spawn. There are factors unrelated to colonialism that increase the likelihood of a militaryShow MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesHistory and Public Memories Tiffany Ruby Patterson, Zora Neale Hurston and a History of Southern Life Lisa M. Fine, The Story of Reo Joe: Work, Kin, and Community in Autotown, U.S.A. Van Gosse and Richard Moser, eds., The World the Sixties Made: Politics and Culture in Recent America Joanne Meyerowitz, ed., History and September 11th John McMillian and Paul Buhle, eds., The New Left Revisited David M. Scobey, Empire City: The Making and Meaning of the New York City Landscape Gerda Lerner, Fireweed: