In this unit, you read about transitions of power and the formation of newly
independent nations in Africa, Asia, the
Americas, and the Middle East. Some of
these transitions were peaceful, while others
caused long-term instability. Why do you think
some countries were more successful than
others with political transitions? What do you
think were the biggest challenges facing
newly independent countries? Would it have
been possible for leaders to prevent these
problems before they happened? Why or
why not?