Africa and the Formation of the New System of International Relations: Rethinking Decolonization and Foreign Policy Concepts (Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development)

This book discusses the prospects for the development of the African continent as part of the emerging system of international relations in the twenty-first century. African countries are playing an increasingly important part in the current system of international relations. Nevertheless, even 60 years after gaining their independence, most of them are confronted with regional and global issues that are directly related to their colonial past and its influence. Due to Africa’s wealth of natural and geopolitical resources, the possibility of interference in the internal affairs of African countries on the part of new and traditional global actors remains very real. Leading Africanists, together with international scholars from both international relations and African studies, examine the experience of decolonization, the impact of the emergence of a unipolar world on the African continent, and the growing influence of new international actors on the African continent in the twenty-first century. In addition, the importance of African countries’ foreign policy concepts and ideological attitudes in the post-bipolar period is revealed. “This volume strengthens the intellectual bridge between Russian, African and Western scholars of international relations. Strongly recommended!” Vladimir G. Shubin, Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences “This book presents a wide range of prominent global scholars who bring a wealth of knowledge on the subject of Africa and the world.” Gilbert Khadiagala, Jan Smuts Professor of International Relations and Director of the African Centre for the Study of the USA (ACSUS) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. “As a genuine contribution to the field of international relations and Global South Agency, this book should be in every institution of higher education’s library.” Lembe Tiky, Director of Academic Development, International Studies Association. Africa and the Formation of the New System of International Relations Contents Acronyms List of Figures List of Tables 1 Decolonization, Postcolonialism, Multiple Modernities, and Persistent East–West Divide in African Studies Overcoming “Disciplinary Decadence” From Third World Decolonization to Postcolonial Discourse Postcolonial Discourse on Africa and Second World Neo-colonialism as the “Wrong Side” of Modernity: The Contribution of Ian Taylor Multiple Modernities: Breaking Deadlocks of Post-neo-colonialism and Post-developmentalism References Part I Legacy of Decolonization 2 Sixty Years Later: Africa’s Stalled Decolonisation Introduction The Mechanics of Underdevelopment Unequal Exchange Africa in the International Division of Labour Capitalism in Africa Monopoly Capitalism and the Current Epoch Conclusion References 3 Post-colonial Period in the History of Africa: Development Challenges Introduction Neo-patrimonial Approach as a Theoretical Background Challenges of Formation of Modern African States The Ruling Elite and Its Impact on the Political System and Culture of Africa The Role of Army in the Political Life of African States Ethnic Factors in Post-colonial Development in Africa African Inter-state Political Groups Conclusion References 4 Rethinking the Role of Araujo Castro in Brazilian Position on the Decolonization of Africa Introduction Contradictions of Anticolonial Policy of Brazil Brazil and Africa After the Collapse of the Portuguese Colonial System Castro and Development Problems Conclusion References 5 USSR and Nkrumah’s Project of the Union of African States, 1963–1965 (Based on Russian Archival Materials) Introduction A Secret Mission to Ghana “Ideology, Racist in Its Basis, Not Compatible with Marxism-Leninism” 300 Million Pounds for “The Struggle for the African Unity Based on Socialist Principles” References Part II Emerging Powers and Africa in the Context of Multipolar World Formation 6 Designs of the Four: Comparing African Strategies of Russia, China, US, and EU Against the Backdrop of the (Re)emerging Bipolarity Introduction Global Competition Background The Value of Africa for the World’s Centers Comparative Analysis Unclear Prospects Against the Backdrop of the Geostrategic Landscape Conclusion References 7 Russia–Africa: New Cooperation Prospects in a Changing World Introduction Africa's Growth Potential and Its Drivers African Development Strategy Soviet Assistance in Securing Africa’s Independence and Forming Modern African States Russian-African Relations: A New Start Challenges of COVID-19 Pandemic for Africa References 8 Africa’s Shadow Rise and the Mirage of Economic Development Introduction “Africa Rising” Discourse Africa, China, and the Global Economic System Enter the Dragon Africa’s Shadow Rise Conclusion References 9 Security and Development in China-Africa Contemporary Cooperation Introduction China as a Donor and Investor for African Countries The African Infrastructure in Focus of China’s Attention China’s Contribution to Industrial Development of African Countries The ‘Soft Power’ as a Tool in China’s African Policy China and the Problems of African Security Conclusion References 10 Costs and Benefits of China’s Role in Southern Africa Introduction: Trends in Chinese-Southern African Relations During Economic Crisis From Overaccumulation to a “New Scramble” and Resurgent Geopolitical Tensions Civil, Political, Socio-Economic and Environmental Factors China’s Controversial Role in South African Mega-Projects Conclusion: Potentials for Reviving Positive Chinese-SADC Relations References 11 Africa in the Hierarchy of China's Core National Interests Theoretical Approaches in Chinese World Politics Research Independent Variables of the PRC World Politics The global nature of China's world politics The Place of Africa in China's Partnership Normative Approach: Recognizing the Core National Interests of China Africa in Chinese Academic Discourse Conclusion References Part III African Solutions to African Problems: The Role of Africans in Peacekeeping 12 The African Union and Peacekeeping in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities Introduction Context AU Peacekeeping/Peace-support Missions Challenges Opportunities Conclusion References 13 African Peacekeeping and African Integration: Current Challenges Introduction African Peacemaking African Integration Conclusion References 14 IGAD’s Mediation and Peacekeeping in Africa: Challenges and Perspectives Introduction Modern Conflict Resolution and Africa: General Trends Conflicts in the Greater Horn of Africa IGAD: The Background IGAD and the Second Sudanese Civil War IGAD and the Somali Civil War IGAD and the South Sudanese Civil War Conclusion References 15 Women’s Participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Overcoming Barriers Introduction The Role of Women in Peacebuilding in Africa UN Activities on the Issue of Women, Peace and Security Data Analysis Conclusion References 16 Farmer-Herders Conflict as a Challenge to National Unity in Nigeria Introduction Conceptual Clarification and the Research Problem Statement Antecedents of Fulani Herdsmen-Farmers Conflict in Nigeria Causes of Farmers–Herdsmen Conflict Farmers–Herdsmen Conflict: Effect on National Unity Conclusion References Part IV Mental Decolonization Through Non-Western International Relations Theories 17 Analytic Afrocentricity and the Future of African Studies Introduction African Studies Redefined The Afrocentric Idea African Origin The African Future References 18 African Foreign Policy Thought and Classical Political Doctrines: The Commonality of Ethical and Axiological Grounds Introduction Historical Roots of Afrocentrism Axiological Reductionism Conclusion References 19 In Quest of African IR Theories: Panafricanism and National Ideologies, Critical Theories or Postcolonial Studies? Introduction International Studies in African Countries: State of the Art Critical Theories and Analysis of Global Inequalities Cold War-Dated National Ideologies as a Basis? On the “Non-westernness” of Postcolonialism Reparation Concepts as Radical Moral Foundations? Conclusion References 20 An African Worldview on International Relations Theory and State Policy Introduction Contextualizing Western Theory as a Worldview Institutional Basis for Intra-African Solidarity Engagement and the African Dilemma The African Ideologies of Pulling together: “Ubuntu, Ujamaa, and Harambee” African Context of International Relations: External Elements Challenges and Opportunities During the COVID-19 Era and Beyond Conclusion References Part V Decolonization in the Twenty-first Century and Future Perspectives 21 Problem of African Agency in International Relations from the European Union Viewpoint Introduction European Union—Ambivalent Position towards the African Agency African Diaspora in Europe and the African Agency African Agency and Africa’s Role and Ambitions in Global Governance Factors Influencing African Agency and Africa’s Prospects to Participate in Global Governance Conclusion References 22 Information Dependence as Neocolonialism of the Twenty-First Century: Past, Present, and Future Introduction New World Information Order: Problems and Prospects of the Foundation Sub-Saharan African Countries and the Problem of the Building of the Innovative Economy Conclusion References