The New Pan-Africanism: Globalism and the Nation State in Africa

by Michael Amoah

Overview

Nationalism and the nation state, globalization and Pan-Africanism are leading international relations concepts which have a particular relevance for Africa as an emerging economic power. This book examines the concept of nationalism, the nationalist mind-set or 'psychology of nationalism' and the role of the nation state in an era of globalization. The idea of Pan-Africanism has animated African thinkers and statesmen throughout the twentieth century and the Organisation of African Unity was founded in the era of decolonization in 1963. But the 'new' Pan-Africanism is a growing force, spurred by economic growth and Africa's rising global significance. Recent years have seen the establishment of the African Central Bank, African Monetary Fund and the African Continental Free Trade Area – all aiming to work together to promote African interests more widely and encourage further economic investment and development. Michael Amoah here investigates concepts of nationalism and the nation state through case studies of eight countries and asks whether these concepts can survive the impact of globalization in African states where Pan-Africanism is an increasingly significant factor in both domestic politics and international relations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784533311
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/31/2019
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Michael Amoah is Research Associate at the Centre of African Studies, SOAS, University of London and Visiting Fellow at the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa, London School of Economics and Political Science. He is the author of Nationalism, Globalization and Africa; A Decade of Ghana and Reconstructing the Nation in Africa (I.B.Tauris).

Table of Contents

List of Maps vi

Preface vii

1 Introduction 1

2 Burkina Faso 26

3 Burundi 43

4 Central African Republic 73

5 Democratic Republic of the Congo 96

6 Libya 120

7 Mali 153

8 Rwanda 178

9 South Sudan 195

10 Conclusions 228

List of Acronyms 237

Notes 243

Bibliography 279

Index 298

Editorial Reviews

It should no longer be standard practice for sitting heads of government to extend their stay in power without the AU's intervention. How and when this governance problem can be resolved is perhaps the most pressing issue for the African continent. But the book demonstrates that an important start has been made. Amoah has written an important book pointing out that an ethical imperative is necessary in this context as well as practical ideas.” —African Studies Quarterly

“Michael Amoah takes a dispassionate look at approaches to political problems adopted by African states, under the auspices of the African Union. His discussion of what he calls 'the new pan-Africanism' emphasises its pragmatic qualities - romantic notions of the first generation of African leaders have been largely set aside. He is particularly interested on how notions of the nation state relate to institutions of global governance, and the ways which sitting heads of state manipulate constitutions to remain in power. Where international pressures are applied by other African states, they are limited in scope, and are likely to be compromised by the fact that the heads of state of the countries involved are also doing all they can not to be removed from office. Amoah's clearly written book is a good antidote for overblown claims about the emergence of African developmental states or a continent-wide 'renaissance'. It is a timely and sobering read.” —Tim Allen, Professor of Development Anthropology, London School of Economics

“The book sets a scene for an important discussion on a much needed alteration of political infrastructure of the African continent.” —Thembisa Fakude, Al Jazeera Center for Studies

From the Publisher