Examine the consequences of siding with the United States or the Soviet Union for two African countries during the Cold War.

The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between the decisions of two African states to side with the United States or the Soviet Union during the Cold War and the consequences for these countries. Consequences may extend beyond the timeframe, but they must be clearly linked to the issue of siding with a superpower. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two countries or they may prioritize their examination of either. However, both will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to financial aid provided by the superpower, which promoted economic development, or they may stress that this aid was highly conditional and often came in the form of military equipment. These factors could strengthen military juntas, perpetuate corruption and/or dictatorship, and exacerbate civil conflict. Candidates may also point out that siding with one superpower typically led to destabilization by the other, or that accepting superpower backing often entailed involvement in wars by proxy. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.