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.

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.