Final answer:
The boundaries in North Africa and Southwest Asia created after colonial rule are considered arbitrary and problematic, ignoring ethnic, tribal, and historical contexts, often resulting in political instability and ongoing conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The boundaries in North Africa and Southwest Asia (Middle East) created in the 1900s are generally considered arbitrary and problematic. These borders were frequently drawn by European colonial powers without regard for ethnic, tribal, or historical considerations, often splitting or lumping together groups that had little in common. The Berlin Conference in 1884 is an example of this, where Africa was divided to suit the interests of European nations rather than reflecting the indigenous territories. The Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 further illustrates this point, proposing the division of territories in the Middle East between France and Britain without a true understanding of the local dynamics and setting the stage for future conflict.
Political instability in regions like the African Transition Zone can be attributed to the colonial borders that restrict movement and enforce artificial national identities. Moreover, in modern times, the legacy of imperialism continues to affect countries in the Global South, evidenced by high levels of corruption, underdeveloped industries, and persistent ethnic conflicts resulting from such imposed borders.