1. Postcolonial Challenges in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa 1945-1991

2. Overview
Superpower rivalry was extended to internal affairs of smaller nations (proxy wars)
Ethnic and religious divisions threatened the existence of newly-independent nations
Neo-colonial economies slowed development
Population expanded dramatically creating new challenges

3. South Asia
India transitioned to democracy under 1st Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
Major social forms introduced
Non-alignment
Economy based on “democratic socialism” couldn’t keep up w/ pop. growth
Jawaharlal Nehru

4. “Green Revolution” of 60’s prevented mass starvation
Adoption of free-market reforms in ‘90’s led to spectacular economic growth
Partition of Pakistan highlighted continuing probs. of sectarianism
Indira Gandhi

8. The Middle East
Proclamation of the state of Israel in 1948 created lasting tensions
Pan-Arabism sought to unite all Arab peoples in N. Africa and Middle East
Most countries until the 1960’s adopted Western-style reforms
Gamal Abel Nasser of Egypt

9. Iranian Revolution of 1979 symbolized a resurgence of Islamic fundamentalism
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan led to a proxy war

10. Africa Pan-Africanism promoted unity of all Africans and the Diaspora
Democracy soon gave way to dictatorship in many countries
Arbitrary colonial/national boundaries caused instability
Marcus Garvey