European colonialism and colonizationwas the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. Research suggests, the current conditions of postcolonial societies have roots in colonial actions and policies.For example, colonial policies, such as the type of rule implemented,the nature ofinvestments,and identity of the colonizers,are cited as impacting postcolonial states. Examination of thestate-buildingprocess,economic development, andcultural normsandmoresshows the direct and indirect consequences of colonialism on the postcolonial states.Theera of European colonialismlasted from the 16th to 19th centuries and involved European powers vastly extending their reach around the globe by establishing colonies in theAmericas,Africa, andAsia. The dismantling of European empires followingWorld War IIsaw the process ofdecolonizationbegin in earnest.In 1941,PresidentFranklin D. RooseveltandBritish Prime MinisterWinston Churchilljointly released theAtlantic Charter, which broadly outlined the goals of theU.S.andBritish governments. One of the main clauses of the charter acknowledged the right of all people to choose their own government.The document became the foundation for theUnited Nationsand all of its components were integrated into theUN Charter, giving the organization a mandate to pursue global decolonization.Despite a uniform effort by the United Nations, modern postcolonial states vary widely in terms of political and economic stability