Question 1

Capitalism was the West's answer to the postcolonial world of corruption and mismanagement, but it was tainted by
its close association to colonialism.

Accepted Answer

Capitalism in the West was indeed seen as a model for economic development and governance in the postcolonial era, aiming to address issues of corruption and mismanagement in newly independent nations. However, its implementation was often viewed critically due to its historical ties and similarities to colonial economic practices, which involved exploitation and control of resources and markets in colonized regions. This association led to skepticism and resistance towards capitalist models in some postcolonial contexts, as they were sometimes perceived as extensions of colonial exploitation.

Question 2

The greater the distribution of wealth and education in a given society, the more likely that the seeds of democracy will grow.

Accepted Answer

Greater distribution of wealth and education tends to reduce inequalities, empower individuals, and foster a more informed citizenry, which are conducive conditions for the development and sustainability of democratic institutions.

Question 3

All of these least developed countries have been plagued by continued conflict EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

The Philippines, while facing internal conflicts, is not classified as a least developed country, unlike the others listed.

Question 4

Least developed countries have all of the following problems in common EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Anarchy, defined as a state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority, is not a common characteristic of all least developed countries. While issues like illiteracy, political instability, ethnic conflict, and inequality are prevalent in many least developed countries, anarchy is not a defining or common feature across all of them.

Question 5

Robert Mugabe has done much to improve the lives of his citizens in Zimbabwe.

Accepted Answer

Robert Mugabe's long tenure as President of Zimbabwe is marked by widespread human rights abuses, economic decline, and a significant deterioration in living standards for many citizens.

Question 6

Instability in Afghanistan poses a major problem for neighboring Pakistan.

Accepted Answer

The instability in Afghanistan, including security challenges, refugee flows, and militant activities, poses significant security and economic challenges for Pakistan, affecting its internal stability and regional relations.

Question 7

Colonialism is synonymous with modernization and improvement.

Accepted Answer

Colonialism often involved exploitation, oppression, and the imposition of foreign control, rather than solely focusing on modernization and improvement for the colonized regions.

Question 8

General Buhari was responsible for attacks on civilians and mass kidnappings in northeastern Nigeria.

Accepted Answer

General Buhari, as of my last update, is the President of Nigeria and has not been directly responsible for attacks on civilians and mass kidnappings in northeastern Nigeria. These acts have been predominantly carried out by Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.

Question 9

Kwame Nkrumah's calls for solidarity among former colonial states failed to grow into a lasting movement.

Accepted Answer

Although Kwame Nkrumah was a prominent advocate for Pan-Africanism and sought solidarity among former colonial states, his vision did not materialize into a lasting, unified movement due to various political, economic, and ideological differences among the newly independent states.

Question 10

Boko Haram abducted more than 200 school girls from a small Nigerian town in 2014.

Accepted Answer

In April 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria, drawing international condemnation and sparking the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

Question 11

Thanks to an impressive growth spurt in recent years, India has surpassed the economy of China.

Accepted Answer

As of the latest data up to October 2023, India's economy has not surpassed China's economy in terms of overall GDP. China remains the larger economy.

Question 12

The Ebola virus results in death for three-quarters of the people afflicted.

Accepted Answer

While Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease, the fatality rate varies widely depending on the outbreak, healthcare access, and response measures. On average, the case fatality rate has varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks, according to the World Health Organization.

Question 13

Terms of trade tend to work against least developed countries.

Accepted Answer

Least developed countries often export primary commodities whose prices can be volatile and tend to rise more slowly than the prices of manufactured goods they import, leading to deteriorating terms of trade.

Question 14

Typical developing countries have had to deal with chronic instability, coups, revolutions, civil wars, and genocide due to the vast diversity thrown together by the arbitrary creation of the original colonies around the world.

Accepted Answer

Many developing countries, particularly those in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, have experienced significant political instability, including coups, revolutions, civil wars, and instances of genocide. This instability is often attributed to the arbitrary borders drawn by colonial powers without regard for ethnic, linguistic, or cultural divisions, leading to internal conflicts.

Question 15

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 update, when will the world's population reach 9 billion?

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 update, the world's population is projected to reach 9 billion by the year 2050.

Question 16

The existence of a charismatic leader tends to slow or impede nation-building in developing societies.

Accepted Answer

Charismatic leaders often accelerate nation-building in developing societies by mobilizing mass support, fostering national identity, and driving forward social, economic, and political reforms.

Question 17

Three billion people, almost half the world's population, live on less than $2.50 per day.

Accepted Answer

As of the latest global estimates, a significant portion of the world's population lives in poverty, with many living on less than $2.50 a day, highlighting the widespread issue of economic disparity.

Question 18

What is the "root cause" of the worst problems facing developing nations?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the "root cause" of the...

Question 19

Where are most of the least developed countries located?

Accepted Answer

Most of the least developed countries are located in Sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by their low GDP per capita, weak human assets, and high economic vulnerability.

Question 20

Haiti became the first republic ruled by people of African descent in world history, as well as the first independent
Caribbean state.

Accepted Answer

Haiti became the first republic in the world ruled by people of African descent and the first independent Caribbean state when it gained independence from France in 1804 following a successful slave rebellion led by Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and others.

Quiz 9: Development: Myths and Realities

Capitalism was the West's answer to the postcolonial world of corruption and mismanagement, but it was tainted by its close association to colonialism.