African Identities and International Politics

Description

Using the lenses of realism, liberalism, the English School and constructivism, this book explains how the divisions and differences in African identities affect African international politics. This book explores the African condition in the twenty-first century. It analyses how geographical, racial, ethnic, linguistic, religious and power differences shape continental and intercontinental relations in Africa through the creation of identities and values which militate against intra-continental or regional relations. The author assesses inclusionary and exclusionary, rational and irrational relationships, interactions and non-interactions which occur between geographical, linguistic, racial and religious entities in Africa. He suggests that, in these moments, one entity will negatively relate, interact or refuse to interact with another entity for the gains of the former and to the detriment of the latter or even to the detriment of both entities. Divided into two parts, the first part of the book employs an ecumenical approach to discuss the divisions and differences that disunite Africa as a continent and Africans as a people and how they affect African international politics. Part II goes on to explore how this ‘othering’ can be superseded by non-discriminatory, unifying and positive identities and values. Examining the possibility of creating identities and values that can unite Africa as a continent and Africans as a people, this book will be of interest to scholars of African politics, international relations and political theory. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents List of illustrations Acknowledgements Preface PART I: An African Condition in the Twenty-First Century 1. Introduction (Divisions, Differences, Identities and Values) 2. Geographical, Linguistic, Racial and Religious Divisions and Differences 3. Identity Politics and Power Relations 4. Social Contract and Regulative Principles PART II: African International Politics 5. A Structuralist Explanation of African International Politics 6. An African Liberal Regional Order? 7. The Order and Justice Dilemma in African International Politics 8. A Constructivist View of African International Politics 9. Conclusion (Political and Economic Consequences) Index