The disregard for existing societal structures and demographics during the demarcation of colonial territories by European powers had profound and lasting consequences. This approach involved establishing borders based primarily on European strategic or economic interests, often with little to no consideration for the pre-existing ethnic, linguistic, religious, and political affiliations of the indigenous populations inhabiting those regions. A prime example is the partitioning of Africa during the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, where the continent was divided amongst European powers with scant regard for the established territories and identities of its diverse communities.
This practice fueled enduring instability and conflict within newly formed colonial states and in their post-colonial successors. The artificial boundaries forced disparate groups into shared territories, fostering inter-ethnic tensions and competition for resources and power. These actions also undermined traditional governance structures and social cohesion, contributing to long-term political fragility. The creation of arbitrarily drawn countries led to fractured national identities and hindered the development of unified, stable states after independence.
