#134 Africa, Modernity & The Problem with 1492 - Zubairu Wai

In this seminal work, Eric Williams contends that slavery played a crucial role in the rise of capitalism and the British Empire. He argues that the wealth generated from the slave trade and slavery fueled British industrial development, and that racism was a consequence of slavery rather than its cause. The book refutes traditional ideas of economic and moral progress, emphasizing the economic motivations behind the abolition of slavery and highlighting the agency of the enslaved in their own liberation. Williams's study is based on extensive historical research, including parliamentary debates, merchants’ papers, and abolitionist documents, and has had a profound impact on the scholarship of slavery and capitalism.

In 'Orientalism,' Edward Said critiques the Western construction of the Orient as a place of mystery and exoticism. He argues that Orientalism, as a discipline and worldview, is inherently tied to European imperialism and serves as a powerful instrument of domination. Said examines how Western literature, academia, and politics have perpetuated colonialism and imperialism by creating and reinforcing stereotypes and myths about the East. He traces the development of Orientalism from its roots in the 18th century to its contemporary implications, emphasizing the intimate relationship between knowledge and power and the need to challenge these dominant discourses.

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.

Kwame Nkrumah's Neocolonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism, published in 1965, analyzes the economic and political control exerted by former colonial powers over newly independent states. Nkrumah argues that these nations, despite achieving formal independence, remain subject to foreign domination through economic manipulation and political influence. He discusses how multinational corporations and international financial institutions perpetuate this system, exploiting resources and maintaining dependence. Nkrumah advocates for Pan-Africanism as a strategy to counter neocolonialism, urging African nations to unite and resist external control. The book serves as a critique of post-colonial power dynamics and a call for genuine economic and political liberation.

In this influential work, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o argues for the decolonization of African literature by rejecting the dominance of European languages. He critiques the psychological and cultural impacts of colonialism, emphasizing the necessity of writing in native languages like Gikuyu to reclaim cultural identity and autonomy. The book blends personal narrative, literary theory, and political analysis to challenge postcolonial power structures.

Eduardo Galeano's 'Open Veins of Latin America' is a powerful and insightful critique of the historical exploitation of Latin America by European powers and the United States. Galeano traces the region's history from the colonial era to the present, highlighting the systemic inequalities and injustices that have shaped its development. He exposes the mechanisms of economic exploitation, political domination, and cultural imperialism that have perpetuated poverty and underdevelopment. The book is a passionate call for social justice and economic liberation, challenging readers to confront the legacy of colonialism and its ongoing impact. Galeano's work is a significant contribution to Latin American studies and continues to inspire movements for social change. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of global inequality.