Alessandro Iandolo. Arrested Development: The Soviet Union in Ghana, Guinea, and Mali, 1955–1968. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2022

Abstract

Alessandro Iandolo’s debut book, Arrested Development: The Soviet Union in Ghana, Guinea, and Mali, 1955–1968, is a landmark study that provides a fresh and in-depth exploration of Soviet development aid in three key West African countries during their postcolonial transition. This work sheds light on a crucial but understudied aspect of Cold War history. The focus on Ghana, Guinea, and Mali is intentional. These newly independent states, emerging from decades of colonial rule, were “ideal candidates” for Soviet assistance. As Iandolo notes, “they emerged from decades of colonial domination” eager to assert themselves as modern economies and international actors (p. 9). Their relatively small populations and early decolonization—Ghana in 1957, followed by Guinea in 1958 and Mali in 1960—made them visible testing grounds for Soviet-style development. The Soviets hoped that successful aid projects in these countries could inspire other “Third World” states to follow suit, creating a more favorable global environment for socialism and expanding opportunities for Soviet influence (p. 9).

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