Africa in Global Politics

Catalog description

Africa's global cultural, political and economic importance should not be underestimated as it continues a period of unprecedented growth. Projections indicate that by the end of the century Africa will be home to a 1/3 of the world's population and 13 of the 20 world's largest cities. As Africa fuels global growth, external actors will have to increasingly deal with Africa on Africa's terms by showing an understanding and appreciation of African history and cultures. Often portrayed in Western media as a marginal and backward continent in need of external assistance, this course will examine how African governments and peoples are asserting their independence from foreign domination, defining their interests, and ensuring their voices are heard in the global arena. This international relations course provides an introductory overview of global politics from an African perspective. A major focus will be on the historical evolution of Africa as an important global region with its own institutions, norms and rules that guide intra-African international relations within the continent. On the global stage the focus is on efforts to coordinate diplomatic activities to push African agendas in global forums like the UN. The course examines the utility of different international relations theoretical perspectives for understanding Africa's place in global politics. Areas of substantive concern include: the historic marginalization of African interests and voices in international affairs; intra-African international relations including the role of the AU and regional international organizations in creating a more peaceful and secure continent; Africa's relations to global military and economic powers like the United States, China, Europe, and Russia; the International Political Economy of African development, and Africa's agency in global political, religious and cultural movements.