In this insightful discussion, Leo Zeilig, Editor of the Review of African Political Economy and seasoned researcher on African politics, shares his expertise on the intricate history of African revolutions and decolonization. He highlights the lasting effects of colonialism and neo-imperialism, raising questions about true independence. The conversation explores mass politics, the influence of key figures, and the psychological scars of colonization. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on these themes as they prepare for deeper explorations of African liberation movements.
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Mamadou Taal's Deportation Threat
Cornell University is trying to deport Mamadou Taal, host of The Malcolm Effect podcast, for protesting the genocide in Gaza.
They suspended him and threatened his visa status for participating in Palestinian solidarity protests.
insights INSIGHT
Western Misunderstanding of Africa
Despite Africa's vast size and diverse cultures, the West often misunderstands or overlooks it.
Western education lacks specific knowledge about Africa's struggles and movements.
insights INSIGHT
Colonialism's Impact
Formal colonization of Africa followed centuries of exploitation, including the slave trade.
The Berlin Conference formalized the division of Africa among European powers.
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Frantz Fanon's "The Wretched of the Earth" is a seminal work of postcolonial theory that explores the psychological and social effects of colonialism on colonized peoples. Fanon argues that colonialism creates a system of oppression that dehumanizes and alienates the colonized, leading to violence and resistance. He analyzes the role of violence in the struggle for liberation, emphasizing its necessity in breaking the cycle of oppression. The book also examines the process of decolonization, highlighting the need for a complete transformation of society and the creation of new forms of social and political organization. Fanon's work remains highly influential in discussions of colonialism, decolonization, and the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice.
How Europe Underdeveloped Africa
Walter Rodney
In 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa,' Walter Rodney argues that the underdevelopment of Africa was a direct result of European colonial exploitation and imperialism. He contends that the wealth created by African labor and resources was seized by European capitalist countries, while restrictions were imposed on Africa's ability to utilize its economic potential. The book details how the slave trade, colonial policies, and the division of Africa by European powers hindered African development and contributed to the growth of European capitalism. Rodney emphasizes that underdevelopment is not an intrinsic property of Africa but a historical product of capitalist expansion and imperialism[1][2][5].
Frantz Fanon, Philosopher of the Third World
Frantz Fanon, Philosopher of the Third World
Leo Zeilig
In this episode of Guerrilla History, we first provide a small bit of information about the retribution that friend (and future guest) of the show Momodou Taal is facing from Cornel University for standing in solidarity with Palestine in the face of the ongoing Genocide, before releasing a fully remastered edition of one of our very first episodes, the nearly 4 year old survey on African revolutions and decolonization movements we did. We still have our ~35 part series on African Revolutions and Decolonization upcoming imminently, so this past episode can serve as a sort of a first precursor/prelude to those coming episodes, and we can call back to this episode for the broader regional/continental historical context. For this herculean task, we brought on Leo Zeilig, an editor of the Review of African Political Economy, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the School of Advanced Study University of London, and an Honorary Research Associate at the Society, Work and Development Institute (SWOP) at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Guerrilla History 
