Essay and Discussion Questions from Regions of the World

Sub-Saharan Africa High School Questions

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Help students understand sub-Saharan Africa by exploring this collection of resources in connection with the essay and discussion questions below.

Questions

  1. How has the legacy of colonialism shaped sub-Saharan Africa today? In what ways does it shape national, regional, and economic issues?
  2. In what ways were Cold War–era attempts to bring independent African nations into U.S. or Soviet spheres of influence a continuation of colonialism? What distinguished these efforts from colonialism?
  3. The United States, China, and Russia are all pursuing economic and other interests in sub-Saharan Africa today. In what ways are these relationships a continuation of colonialism? In what ways are they a continuation of Cold War patterns?
  4. How effective do you think the AU and smaller regional bodies have been at strengthening security, democracy, and economic growth? Which regional bodies have been most successful and why?
  5. U.S., Chinese, and Russian involvement in sub-Saharan African countries has brought benefits to many countries in the region, but it also often comes with strings attached. Do you think the involvement of each of these outside powers has been a net positive or net negative for the region?
  6. Sub-Saharan Africa has the youngest population of any region. What opportunities does this create? What challenges does it present? Consider not only economics, but also political issues.
  7. What accounts for how much intrastate conflict sub-Saharan Africa experiences? Which factors do you think are the most important?
  8. In what ways is sub-Saharan Africa influential on the world stage?