“Neocolonialism created a new form of dependency for modern nations.” Discuss with reference to two Latin American nations.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that neocolonialism created a new form of dependency for modern nations. Candidates may support the statement, considering that many Latin American nations fell under the influence of powers like the US and Britain soon after their independence. This dependency could be discussed as political and/or economic. Candidates may argue that many Latin American nations focused their economies on exporting food and raw materials, importing manufactured products. This produced a division that generated economic dependency. Candidates may also discuss that many foreign investments (banks, services, etc.) also generated new forms of dependency. Candidates may also highlight the role played by local elites who established close economic links with foreign powers allowing for neocolonialism. Candidates may challenge the statement, considering that Latin American countries were able to conduct diplomatic and commercial relations with a wide number of countries, leaving room for a more independent policy. They can also consider that the First World War led to some Latin American countries taking their own diplomatic decisions and imposed new economic patterns. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This question that required the discussion of the statement that neocolonialism created a new form of dependency for modern nations had few weak responses that exhibited limited and almost irrelevant knowledge.