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A string of recent coups throughout West Africa and the former French African colonies has sparked emergency foreign policy debates around the globe. But what is causing all of these coups, and how will France respond to them?
Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan reviews major historical differences between French African colonies and British colonies, and argues that these differences have profound impacts on Africa today. Zeihan suggests that these observations can help people understand why this string of coups is occurring, and can also reveal how France might (or might not) respond.
Excerpted from Peter’s Sept. 28 “Zeihan on Geopolitics” newsletter:
There’s been a surge in coups throughout African countries, and there’s a common thread connecting them — most are former French colonies.
Looking back at the colonial histories of the French and the British, two very different strategies were implemented. The Brits opted for the economic route — targeting regions and areas of strategic significance. The French took a more ego-driven approach and focused on the biggest swaths of territory.
While the Brits primarily wanted a cut of the profits from their colonies, the French wanted to be in charge of everything, so they hollowed out systems and put their people in charge. Fast forward to the present day, the French have packed their bags and left shells of colonies primed for coups and prone to external influence from China and Russia.
As these coups run their course, French involvement could take on a number of different forms. That’s what makes this so interesting…. the French are a wildcard, and their involvement comes down to how they see themselves.
