Why Is Africa the Only Nuclear‑Weapon‑Free Continent?
And what that tells us about today’s power dynamics This question strikes at the heart of Africa’s role in global power relations, echoing themes of colonial legacy, marginalization, and who gets to define the rules of the game. 1. Colonial Legacy & Historical Timing Most African countries gained independence in the 1960s , long after nuclear arsenals had been firmly established by the major powers. By then, the US, USSR, UK, France, China , and soon India and Pakistan were already deeply engaged in a nuclear arms race. Africa simply entered the modern stage too late to lay claim to that type of military supremacy. 2. Cost & Technological Barriers Building nuclear weapons isn’t merely a political decision—it demands: Vast investment in enrichment or plutonium facilities Highly trained teams and advanced infrastructure Secure supply chains and safety mechanisms For newly independent nations, the immediate priorities were (and remain) educ...