“Destabilization by outside forces was the main cause of conflict.” Discuss with reference to two post-independence African countries.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses regarding the importance of destabilization by outside forces as the cause of conflict. Candidates may consider a range of causes related to outside forces. These may include the communication of alternative ideas or ideologies that may have divided or agitated the population and encouraged revolts or civil wars through support of rival internal factions with arms or money. Other factors may include the recruitment and training of opposition movements or military invasions. Economic factors such as sanctions or promises of prosperity/investment if political changes occurred may be considered. Candidates may refer to other causes of conflict as alternative explanations, including ethnic and political rivalry, economic disputes, personal ambitions and historic animosities.