Matthew Fully’s Post

On 15th November in 1884, The Berlin Conference opened, The Partition of Africa (Berlin Conference) And the Aftermath. It began in earnest with the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, and was the cause of most of Africa’s borders today. This conference was called by German Chancellor Bismarck to settle how European countries would claim colonial land. And to avoid a war among European nations over African territory. All the major European States were invited to the conference. Germany, France, Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Spain were all considered to have a future role in the imperial partition of Africa. The United States was invited because of its interest in Liberia but did not attend because it had no desire to build a colonial empire in Africa. Also invited were Austria–Hungary, Sweden–Norway, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, and Russia who all were considered minor players. Though Italy would claim some colonial possessions in Northeast Africa. Most notably there were no Africans present at this conference, nor were any Europeans present to ensure that native Africans had any say in the proceedings. #berlinconference #scrambleforafrica #colonialisation #africa #africanexploitation

On 15th November in 1884, The Berlin Conference opened, The Partition of Africa (Berlin Conference) And the Aftermath. It began in earnest with the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, and was the cause of most of Africa’s borders today. This conference was called by German Chancellor Bismarck to settle how European countries would claim colonial land. And to avoid a war among European nations over African territory. All the major European States were invited to the conference. Germany, France, Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Spain were all considered to have a future role in the imperial partition of Africa. The United States was invited because of its interest in Liberia but did not attend because it had no desire to build a colonial empire in Africa. Also invited were Austria–Hungary, Sweden–Norway, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, and Russia who all were considered minor players. Though Italy would claim some colonial possessions in Northeast Africa. Most notably there were no Africans present at this conference, nor were any Europeans present to ensure that native Africans had any say in the proceedings. #berlinconference #scrambleforafrica #colonialisation #africa #africanexploitation

THE BERLIN CONFERENCE The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 met on 15 November 1884 and, after an adjournment, concluded on 26 February 1885 with the signature of a General Act[1] regulating European colonization and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period. The conference was organized by Otto von Bismarck, the first chancellor of Germany, at the request of Leopold II of Belgium. The General Act of Berlin can be seen as the formalisation of the Scramble for Africa that was already in full swing. Some scholars, however, warn against an overemphasis on its role in the colonial partitioning of Africa, and draw attention to bilateral agreements concluded before and after the conference. According to a 2024 study, the conference only set the borders for the Congo region (those borders were later revised). The study finds that "most of Africa’s borders were not initially formed until after the 1884–85 Berlin Conference... most did not take their final form until over two decades later." (Source: Internet)

📍#OnThisDay (15th) November in 1884, The Berlin Conference opened, The Partition of Africa (Berlin Conference) And the Aftermath. It began in earnest with the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, and was the cause of most of Africa’s borders today. This conference was called by German Chancellor Bismarck to settle how European countries would claim colonial land. And to avoid a war among European nations over African territory. All the major European States were invited to the conference. Germany, France, Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Spain were all considered to have a future role in the imperial partition of Africa. The United States was invited because of its interest in Liberia but did not attend because it had no desire to build a colonial empire in Africa. Also invited were Austria–Hungary, Sweden–Norway, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, and Russia who all were considered minor players. Though Italy would claim some colonial possessions in Northeast Africa. Most notably there were no Africans present at this conference, nor were any Europeans present to ensure that native Africans had any say in the proceedings. https://lnkd.in/g4sirZdE

Last Friday Patricia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (#SDC) visited Geneva Graduate Institute (#IHEID) and shared her vision on what #Peace means today and tomorrow. As a student of the IHEID’s Executive Education DAS Program in Diplomacy, Policy and Negotiation, I had a chance to participate in this meeting. Among other, Mrs. Danzi told us about the role #Switzerland has played as a platform for negotiations. In this context I asked her if she sees a possibility that one day official peace negotiations between #Ukraine and #Russia can take place in Switzerland. She answered as follows: “Ukraine has requested Switzerland to support its peace initiative. It was an important signal to pick up during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Switzerland last January. Peace building is a process. There is no right or wrong way to get there as long as it is inclusive. Discussions in Switzerland can be a milestone in this process. Ukraine aims to start it by getting a wide support beyond the region. Ultimately, it is clear to everyone that there is no peace if Russia is not involved. In terms of #InternationalCooperation, Switzerland will over the next five years support Ukraine with 1.5 billion CHF. Ukraine and Switzerland look back to over 30 years of cooperation. Ukraine has managed to adapt even under the war and has a lot to show to the world in terms of its adaptations and advancements in the spheres of education, decentralization, digital transformation, economic and financial resilience.” #PeaceNegotiations, #UkraineRussiaConflict, #Diplomacy, #SwissAid https://lnkd.in/eWQ2TYND

🇺🇸🇹🇩Reflecting on a Thought-Provoking Encounter: Our Discussion with James Carafano at The Heritage Foundation We had the privilege of engaging with James Carafano, a distinguished figure at The Heritage Foundation, known for his deep expertise in US foreign policy and national security. This meeting offered us a profound exploration of the strategic dynamics shaping global politics and the unique position Romania occupies within this landscape. The dialogue further delved into the critical importance of projects like ours, which aim to foster personal connections between Romania and the US. These initiatives are not just about building bridges between future leaders; they're about creating a foundational network of understanding and collaboration that transcends borders and political landscapes. In today’s interconnected world, the relationships formed through programs like ours can catalyze significant diplomatic and economic partnerships, laying the groundwork for a collaborative future. Political Research Group Joshua M. Burgin #RisingLeaders #USForeignPolicy #Romania #InternationalRelations #LeadershipDevelopment #HeritageFoundation #GlobalDiplomacy

The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 undoubtedly reshaped the African continent in ways that continue to reverberate through history. The artificial borders, drawn by European powers with no regard for Africa’s diverse ethnic, cultural, and historical contexts, remain a source of conflict and division today. These arbitrary lines divided communities, sowing the seeds of strife that have led to wars, civil conflicts, and political instability across the continent. Moreover, the colonial legacy imposed by the conference entrenched systems of economic exploitation, leaving Africa's nations trapped in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment. The exploitation of Africa’s resources by European powers, under the guise of trade and economic agreements, meant that the continent was stripped of its wealth, while its people endured brutal oppression. This exploitation didn’t just end with the formal colonial era; it continues today in the form of economic dependency, with many African nations still reliant on foreign aid and multinational corporations that often prioritize profit over the welfare of local communities. Culturally, the Berlin Conference was instrumental in the erasure of African traditions, languages, and identities. European powers sought to impose their own systems of education, religion, and governance, undermining indigenous knowledge and ways of life. This cultural imposition has left many African nations grappling with an identity crisis—caught between the legacy of colonialism and the need for cultural revival and preservation. However, the conference’s legacy is not an irreversible tragedy. The path to healing and progress is clear. Decolonization must be prioritized, not just in the political sense, but in terms of addressing the deep-rooted economic, social, and cultural injustices that remain. African unity is crucial to overcoming the fragmentation imposed by colonial borders, fostering regional cooperation to ensure the continent's future stability. Economic empowerment through self-sufficiency and regional integration is key to breaking free from the dependency on foreign powers. Finally, Africa must embark on a journey of cultural revival, reasserting the value and strength of its diverse heritage to forge a renewed sense of identity and pride. As Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao strongly advocates, Pan-Africanism is an essential movement to overcome the remnants of the Berlin Conference’s destructive legacy. By embracing unity, decolonization, and economic and cultural revitalization, Africa can reclaim its future and reshape its destiny.

The European race for colonialism made Germany start launching expeditions of its own, which frightened both British and French statesmen. Hoping to soothe the brewing conflict, Belgian King Leopold II convinced France and Germany that common trade in Africa was in the best interests of all three countries. Under support from the British and the initiative of Portugal, Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany, called on representatives of 13 nations in Europe as well as the US to take part in the Berlin Conference in 1884 to work out a joint policy on the African continent. The conference was opened on November 15, 1884 - February 26, 1885. The number of plenipotentiaries varied per nation, but these 14 countries sent representatives to attend the Berlin Conference and sign the Berlin Act: The US reserved the right to decline or to accept the conclusions of the conference. Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Britain, Italy, and Portugal. The conference provided an opportunity to channel latent European hostilities towards one another outward; provide new areas for helping the European powers expand in the face of rising American, Russian, and Japanese interests; and form constructive dialogue to limit future hostilities. In Africa, colonialism was introduced across nearly the continent. When African independence was regained after WWII, it was in the form of fragmented states. The Scramble for Africa sped up after the Conference, the European powers had to take effective possession by the principle of effectivity. In central Africa, expeditions were dispatched to coerce traditional rulers into signing treaties. Bedouin- and Berber-ruled states in the Sahara and the Sahel were overrun by the French in several wars by the beginning of WWI. The British moved up from South Africa and down from Egypt and conquered states such as the Mahdist State and the Sultanate of Zanzibar having defeated the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa in 1879, moved on to subdue and dismantle the independent Boer republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

The Berlin Conference is the key reason why Africa is still the world's supermarket, set up to supply human and natural resources to build the rest of the world. Most Africans neither know nor care about the evil visited upon our continent by Leopold and von Bismark. And those who do, do not see that we need to find an Africa-wide solution to redressing those decisions taken over 100 years ago, of which the consequences still reverberate across the continent today. It all comes down to us. No one will do it for us. As long as we neglect our duties as citizens and allow corrupt leaders to continue to hold our countries captive, the Berlin Conference will remain alive and well and we will never find our own home-grown solutions.