Colonial Borders as Self-Timing Bombs: Unpacking the British Legacy in Africa and the Middle East

The legacy of colonialism has left an indelible mark on the world, particularly in regions like Africa and the Middle East. The drawing of borders in these areas during the era of European colonialism, particularly by the British Empire, has been likened to self-timing bombs. These borders were often created with little regard for the ethnic, cultural, and religious complexities of the regions, setting the stage for enduring conflicts and instability. This essay explores how the British planned and established these borders to serve their own interests and the lasting repercussions of these actions.