According to the “prisoners of geography” view, differences across countries in economic, political, and social development are primarily explained by their geography for instance the "Global North & the global South". Path dependency refers to the idea that historical events/ decisions shape current and future outcomes, often limiting options and influencing choices.

The secret vanguard is a term given to certain female figures who used spirituality, rituals and ceremonies as a form of resistance against colonialism or slavery, often referred to as a ceremonial custodians of political transformation in pre-colonial and post colonial African history.