Final answer:
Colonialism has significantly influenced present-day global politics by shaping political systems, social orders, national borders, and economic conditions. Even after countries gained independence, the structural legacies of colonialism have caused ongoing challenges, including ethnic conflicts, corruption, and developmental issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Colonialism has profoundly shaped modern geopolitics in various ways. Through the expansion of European powers across the globe, political systems such as the parliamentary system and nation-state were exported, embedding the European model as the global norm. These systems were often imposed upon diverse local governance structures, leading to enduring structural and social problems within postcolonial states. Additionally, languages such as English and political borders within and between countries were influenced significantly by the colonial powers, often disregarding the historical and cultural identities of the colonized peoples.
As countries gained independence, many were left with legacies of exploitation. The wealth and privilege accumulated by former colonial powers starkly contrast with the inequality and underdevelopment experienced by the colonized regions. This history has resulted in current issues including ethnic conflict due to arbitrarily drawn borders, high levels of corruption, and underdeveloped industries. While various social movements have arisen to address these issues, the impact of colonialism continues to resonate in the geopolitical landscape of the modern world.
Postcolonialism studies and the ongoing conversations about nation-states and identities further signal how colonial legacies influence contemporary political dynamics. In many cases, countries such as Ghana saw a transfer of power from colonial rulers to local elites, yet the inherited colonial structures have influenced the governance and societal organization, presenting challenges that continue to affect the political and economic development of the country.