The Influence of Sustained French Economic and Political Shelter in Post-colonial Mali and Senegal: A Comparative Case Study on Political Stability and Instability

Abstract

This thesis embarks on a comparative exploration of French post-colonial relationships with the former colonies of Mali and Senegal. Mali has been plagued with political instability, often leading to direct military interventions; its latest coups d'état occurred in 2020 and 2021. On the other hand, Senegal enjoys relative political stability. Hence, this study aims to understand why the two states have diverged post-colonial trajectories despite their shared historical, cultural and social ties. Central to this study is the explorations of the intensity and nature of French economic and political shelter and its influence on stability and instability in these states. This research draws on neocolonialism, dependency theory and shelter theory to dive deeper into the nuances of French post-colonial relationships, highlighting the broader dynamics between the former colonial power and its former colonies.