Colonialism could be epitomized as representing "altruism and benevolence" on the part of the rulers or an "attempt to impose upon the natives an alien system of social institutions". The primacy of the colonial state in almost all aspects of colonial life was apparent until challenged by nationalist forces, which identified it as a barrier to freedom and development. The nature of the developmental state in Latin America was quite different from the one that emerged in Asian countries where same regime dominance for long periods helped policy continuity. The Marshall Plan provided lessons for aid agencies in designing their strategies for development in postcolonial societies and influenced the UN to embark on constructive efforts for making economic growth and social development self-sustaining in the developing world. The concept of an "economic bureaucracy" was unknown and postcolonial administrative systems were hardly prepared to take on the new role of attaining development goals.