The process of decolonization has completely transformed the geopolitics of the world as it saw the dissolution of the European empires and established more than 80 independent states. This huge redistribution resulted in the establishment of a modern state system, and the membership of international organizations such as the UN was drastically contributed. The mere quantity of new actors permanently changed diplomatic relations and distribution of powers on the world stage.
New states in this context of the Cold War were to be strategically aligned. NAO was a straightforward declaration of independence in the political context of denying the membership of either bloc. Such legacy continues to contribute to the multipolarity and coalitions that oppose the Western hegemony of global governance organizations and negotiations.
In gaining political independence, most states experienced enduring economic systems that narrowed down any authentic sovereignty. The neocolonial influence was also seen to be perpetuated through unequal terms and debt on trade. This economic reliance still results in North-South political arguments and prevents independent development courses.
Decolonization would also come with a complicated identity politics along fake colonial boundaries. Ethnicities and religious groups not under occupation were hard to manage under the new national identities. This has continued to engender unending civil wars, nationalism, and state cohesion as well as legitimacy problems around the post-colonial world.
The so-called artificial boundary set by colonialist powers is an unending political instability. These borders did disregard already existing realities giving rise to intractable territorial disputes, secessionist movements and interstate conflicts. These inherited divisions are a continuous problem to regional security and state-building.
Conclusion
The modern sovereign states system and the enhanced voice of the Global South are the main political legacies of the process of decolonization. It caused however a simultaneous entrenchment of Cold War dispositions, ongoing economic indebtedness effectively reducing independence and tensions along borders dealing instability in the process. The claim of non-aligned stances and governance of imaginary boundaries remain the bedrock of international relations, which show the political implications of decolonization.
