A young African friend of mine asked me to explain what is happening
in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The apparent break-down, fighting, and
warring camps mentality disturb him, only partly because he
originally came from the area. The local newspaper recently ran an
article explaining as a result of economic break-down, unemployment
and unemployed youth.
While completely begging the underlying issues, I realized that I
really didn't have a coherent view of the results of 19th century
imperialism and 20th century neocolonialism (I am familiar only with
the Firestones of the region) on the states and societies of the
area. I don't even know where to begin. I would appreciate both a
little bibliography and some brief statements on these events by
knowledgeable scholars. Thanks in advance for your help.