Challenges faced in the first 10 years, and responses to the challenges

Challenges Faced in the First 10 Years

New nations encountered economic instability, often due to the withdrawal of colonial resources and structural imbalances left by colonial rule.
There were frequent struggles with political instability as new governments attempted to establish themselves and deal with competing factions or ideologies within the country.
The legacy of colonial boundaries often led to ethnic tensions and conflicts as disparate groups were thrust together in the new nations.
Eradicating colonial influences from societal structures and institutions was a challenge as many had been ingrained during the long period of colonial rule.
The lack of experienced administrative personnel after independence was a hurdle many nations faced in establishing capable governance.
The Cold War ideologies sometimes exacerbated conflicts within the new nations as both the USA and USSR attempted to sway them to their respective sides.

Responses to the Challenges

To tackle economic problems, many nations implemented economic restructuring and developed key partnerships with other countries to stimulate growth.
Political stability was often sought through authoritarian rule or strict control of the political scene as leaders struggled to navigate the early years of independence.
Several nations found it helpful to adopt nationalistic ideologies to unify diverse ethnic groups and foster a sense of common identity.
Efforts were made to decolonise the nation’s institutions, culture, and education, often through policies aimed at promoting native culture and history.
Many nations sought outside help through technical and administrative assistance or even hiring foreign experts to fill the void left at independence.
To navigate the tightrope of Cold War politics, Non-Alignment movement was adopted by some nations, aiming to stay neutral and maintain independence in their foreign policy.