Africa and the North: Between Globalization and Marginalization

by Ulf Engel (Editor), Gorm Rye Olsen (Editor)

Overview

An important new discussion of Africa's place in the international system.

This volume discusses Africa's place in the international system, examining the way in which the Westphalian system, in light of the impact of globalization and transnational networks, continues to play a major role in the structuring of Africa's international relations.

The book provides a solid empirical analysis of key global players in Africa - France, the UK, the US, Japan, Germany, the EU and the UN - and of their policies towards the region. In the context of the 'war against terrorism', African political stability becomes a consideration of increasing importance. By analyzing the relevance of the states in the North, this book challenges conventional wisdom in recent international relations thinking. It applies the concept of an 'international policy community' to bridge the gap between the 'domestic' and the 'international', explaining why Africa retains a role in global politics out of any proportion to its economic weight.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415333917
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/24/2005
Series:	New International Relations
Pages:	188
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ulf Engel is associate professor of African politics at the Institute of African Studies, University of Leipzig. His research interests focus on Africa's role in international relations ans the dynamics beyond the Westphalian state system.

Dr. Olsen received her doctoral degree in History from the University of Oslo in 2005 and has worked within the field of New Cold War History since 1993. Her main research interests include Soviet foreign policy towards Vietnam and China and the role of ideology in foreign policy. Dr. Olsen now works in the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.

Table of Contents

1. Global Politics and Africa - and Africa in International Relations Theory 2. The Evolution of Africa's International Relations 3. France and Sub-Saharan Africa: A privileged relationship 4. From Realpolitik to the Third Way: British African policy in the new world order 5. United States: The process of decision-making on Africa 6. Japan: The tenor and the terrain of foreign policy towards Africa 7. Germany: Between value-based solidarity and bureaucratic interests 8. The European Union: 'European interests', bureaucratic interests and international options 9. The United Nations: A peripheral organization in the periphery of the world 10. Africa and the North: Policy communities and different types of state - theoretical challenges

Editorial Reviews

'Africa and the North offers a concise, empirically rich and clearly written overview of some of the key apects of Northern involvement with the continent. The editors have done very well to hold each cahpter author to a single remit, giving the book a coherence that some edited volumes fail to achieve. It would be very useful for any student of Africa's international politics.'
Graham Harrison, Sheffield University, UK

From the Publisher