Neocolonialism refers to the indirect control of developing nations by powerful states or corporations. Even after formal decolonization, former colonial powers or other dominant nations often maintain economic hegemony through trade agreements, debt, and corporate influence, effectively perpetuating the exploitative structures of the colonial era without the need for direct administrative governance.

Following the First Sino-Japanese War, the Treaty of Shimonoseki was signed in 1895, which formally ceded Taiwan to Japan. Japan's influence over Korea also solidified during this period, eventually leading to formal annexation in 1910. This era marked Japan's emergence as a major imperial power in East Asia, significantly altering the regional balance of power.

During the early 20th century, the Empire of Japan engaged in significant territorial expansion. Japan formally annexed Korea in 1910 and launched a full-scale invasion of China in 1937. These occupations were central to Japan's strategic goal of establishing dominance in East Asia prior to and during the Second World War.

Genghis Khan was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous land empire in history. His military campaigns were characterized by extreme mobility and tactical brilliance. By the time of his death in 1227, his forces had successfully conquered vast regions, including significant portions of the Khwarazmian Empire in Persia, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia.

Zimbabwe gained its internationally recognized independence from the United Kingdom on April 18, 1980, following the Lancaster House Agreement. This event marked the end of white minority rule in the territory formerly known as Rhodesia. The transition to independence was a major milestone in the decolonization of Africa, significantly altering the political landscape of Southern Africa during the late 20th century.

Following a long-standing armed struggle for independence, Eritrea formally separated from Ethiopia in 1993 after a referendum. Eritrea had previously been an Italian colony and later entered into a federation with Ethiopia in 1952, which was unilaterally dissolved by the Ethiopian government in 1962, leading to the decades-long Eritrean War of Independence.

Jomo Kenyatta was a prominent anti-colonial activist and the primary leader of the Kenya African National Union. He played a crucial role in Kenya's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. After serving time in prison for his political activities, he became the first Prime Minister and subsequently the first President of independent Kenya, serving until his death in 1978.

Robert Mugabe was a central figure in the struggle for independence in Zimbabwe. He served as the Prime Minister and later as the President of Zimbabwe for several decades, significantly shaping the political landscape of Southern Africa during the post-colonial era.

World War II acted as a catalyst for decolonization in Africa. The war weakened European colonial powers, while the participation of African soldiers in the conflict and the spread of ideologies like self-determination fostered a strong sense of nationalism. This led to widespread independence movements that sought to end colonial rule and establish sovereign African states.

Haiti declared its independence from France in 1804, following a successful and protracted slave revolution that began in 1791. This made Haiti the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the second in the Western Hemisphere after the United States. The Haitian Revolution is considered a landmark event in the history of decolonization and the struggle against slavery.