Assess the significance of the rapid colonisation of Africa on Coursework

Assess the significance of the rapid colonisation of Africa on international relations in years 1884-1904 - Coursework Example More specifically, the period of analysis which is a focal point of this discussion is the period of 1884-1904 which can be identified as the point of commencement of the colonization process. As stated previously, colonization marked the beginning of a period which saw the incorporation of Africa with the dynamics of the structural elements which were present on the global political stage at the time. Even though, this integration can be traced back to the events which took place in the late nineteenth century, the structural dependency which was acquired by African nations from their European colonizers continues to exist in the present scenario.3Given this observation, a critical question which is relevant to the discussion regarding the significance of African colonization on international relations, addresses the notion of the structure that was granted by Africa’s European colonizers to its society. Before, the process of colonization had begun; the international law did not view Africa as the ideal res publica for in the eyes of the European guild of nations the continent was merely res nullias and therefore, open for the execution of Europe authority and display of tremendous power.4Perhaps, the most fundamental event which expounds upon the effects of the rapid African colonization on the dynamics of global relations is that of the Berlin Conference, 1884, the proceedings of which dictated the regulations surrounding the partition of the African continent.5While, the tenets of the conference aimed to suggest a proposal for granting the European powers with a part of Africa’s land, the ownership of which was still maintained by Africans on specific grounds, it must be noted that the proposals that were addressed in the meeting had a long term impact on the relations of European states. More importantly, the event which took place in Berlin in 1884 enhanced Germany’s stance as a colonial empire.6 In order to execute the recommendatio ns of the Berlin Conference in a suitable manner, the meeting proposed the approval of pact which was termed as the â€Å"Protection of Friendship† to be agreed by the existing leaders of African lands and European statesmen to grant the latter with access to the former’s territories.7This observation leads to the discussion regarding the presence of international relations between the colonized nation and the colonizer. With regards to the autonomy and decision making rights that were granted to African colonies, it can be claimed that the political structure which was allowed to subsist in the nations was hollow and weak. For one, the political dependence of African states marred them from establishing a state of sovereignty and disallowed