The French connection and other neo-colonial patterns in the global network of science

International co-operation in science between the West and the third world often follows neo-colonial patterns. In this article these patterns are quantified, using the science of bibliometrics. The authors suggest methods to create a ‘Neo-Colonial Relations Index’, in which the neo-colonial dependency in science of the various countries is put on a scale. This allows such dependency to be placed in a comparative framework. These data are then linked to qualitative analysis that puts scientific relations into perspective. Thus, it is demonstrated that Africa south of the Sahara is the scientific backyard of West Europe, and that the intellectual domination of the West is growing rather than diminishing. Finally there is a recommendation for a change in European science policy. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.