ESSAY 6: THE CHANGING WORLD ORDER AND AFRICA'S ROLE WITHIN IT, FOCUSING ON HOW AFRICA'S RELATIVE POSITION HAS EVOLVED SINCE INDEPENDENCE

What major challenges has Africa faced since independence that have hindered its development?

Cycles of conflict, poverty, corruption, weak governance, lack of transparency, political patronage, and dependence on former colonial powers.

How has Africa’s dependence on former colonial powers affected its global standing?

It has limited Africa’s autonomy in the global system, reinforcing a periphery role and restricting influence in global decision-making.

What was the impact of the Cold War's end on the world order and Africa?

It ushered in a Western-dominated "new world order"; despite multipolarity, Africa remained marginalised and peripheral.

What does neo-realism suggest about Africa’s position in international politics?

Neo-realism sees global politics as power-based; Africa, lacking economic and military strength, is sidelined and subject to decisions by stronger states.

How do global financial institutions contribute to Africa’s marginalisation?

Institutions like the IMF and World Bank promote policies benefiting the Global North, limit Africa’s policy space, and perpetuate dependence through debt and structural adjustment.

What role does the ICC play in Africa’s marginalised status?

It is seen as selectively prosecuting African leaders, reinforcing perceptions of political bias and external control.

What is asymmetry in Africa’s trade relations?

Trade and negotiations are heavily tilted in favour of developed countries; Africa relies more on these relations than vice versa, limiting bargaining power.

What are the key issues with TNCs in Africa?

Resource exploitation, illicit financial flows, weak regulation, poor governance, and environmental degradation.

What are illicit financial flows, and how do they impact Africa?

Capital leaving Africa through dodged taxes, corruption, and crime; estimated at 6.1% of Africa’s GDP—undermining development.

What characterises the "new scramble for Africa"?

Renewed competition among old (US, UK, France) and new (China, India, Brazil) powers over resources, markets, and influence in Africa.

What is China’s approach to Africa, and how is it described?

"Flexigemony"—a mix of economic support and soft power aimed at securing influence while propping up elites.

How does India’s engagement differ from China’s?

India focuses on manufacturing/services, has less state involvement, and uses the diaspora; both follow non-interference policies.

What are the downsides of the new scramble for Africa?

Replicates enclave-led growth, entrenches authoritarianism, encourages elite capture, and lacks tech transfer or sustainable development.

How do internal issues affect Africa’s global role?

Conflict, lack of unity, poor governance, and weak institutions limit Africa’s capacity to project influence or negotiate globally.

Why is regional cooperation important for Africa’s global standing?

Unity can strengthen negotiating power, promote shared interests, and enhance diplomatic presence in global forums.

What role do African alliances and the AU play in the global order?

Intended to project common positions, but often ineffective due to weak leadership, poor coordination, and external alignments.

What is the Ezulwini Consensus?

Africa’s proposal for UN reform advocating for greater representation; limited impact due to fragmentation and weak follow-through.

What has limited Africa’s effectiveness in global diplomacy despite increased participation?

Low negotiating capacity, lack of unified strategy, resource constraints, and inadequate implementation of agreements.

What is needed for Africa to improve its position in the global economy?

Good governance, democratic consolidation, unity, effective leadership, industrial policies, and leveraging human and natural resources.

Can aligning with superpowers help Africa gain influence?

Possibly, but only if based on mutual interest and strategic unity; without internal cohesion, alliances risk exploitation.

What role can Africa’s population play in improving its global role?

If harnessed strategically, Africa’s young and growing population can become a diplomatic and economic asset—similar to China's People-to-People Diplomacy.