The statement that best analyzes how colonial economics led to long-term challenges for newly independent states is:
"Past economic policies of colonial powers centered on serving the economic needs of colonizers rather than the societal needs of local populations."
This response highlights how colonial economic structures were primarily designed to benefit the colonizers, often neglecting the sustainable development and needs of local communities. As a result, newly independent states faced challenges such as underdeveloped infrastructure, lack of diversified economies, and ongoing dependency on former colonial powers.