Colonialism is a characteristic of European expansion which took control of territories and peoples across the world from the 16th century. The last wave of colonialism took place in Africa in the late 19th century, and these African colonies did not gain independence until the end of World War II. Decolonization was followed by years of economic, political and social instability which worsened the living conditions of individuals in society. In the era of globalization, the economic might of Western powers has created a new type of imperialism towards developing countries. The growing inequality gap between rich and poor countries has led to falling living standards in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of the population suffers from a lack of basic human needs. Sierra Leone is a country on the west coast of Africa that was unable to develop in the past due to British occupation, poor governance, corruption and civil war. Today, it faces new challenges as it attempts to grow in a highly integrated market economy dominated by Western powers. In the 1980s, development efforts by the Bretton Woods institutions in Sierra Leone focused on short-term stability of the economy based on neoliberal economic policies. The country has experienced some economic stability, but this has not led to an improvement in living standards. Today, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world and efforts are now focused on reducing poverty. Sierra Leone was one of the first African nations to be affected by the American slave trade beginning in the 17th century. In 1787, the British assisted in the return to Sierra Leone of around 400 freed slaves from different parts of Africa. The Briti...... middle of article....../seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2009935443 apunungeneralassembly.html>Works CitedAppelbaum, Richard P. Introduction to Global Studies: Politics and Economics. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2004. Chang, Ha-Joon. Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism. Bloomsbury Press, 2007. Danzer, Gerald A. Atlas of World History. London: Laurence King Publishing LTD, 2000. Fyle, C. Magbailey. Historical Dictionary of Sierra Leone. Lanham: Scarecrow Press, Inc. 2006. Millennium Development Goals Report for the Republic of Sierra Leone. 2005: Spielman, James Peter. “World leaders emphasize unity to fight crisis” The Seattle Times September 24 2009.