10330 Sub-Saharan Africa in International Relations 1

Credits: 6 advanced credits in International Relations or in Political Science

Prerequisites: 36 credits, including one of the following: The Emergence of New States in Africa or Introduction to International Relations. Students must also fulfill all English requirements and take bibliographic instruction in the Library.

The course is based on a reader edited by Benyamin Neuberger.

Africa’s standing in international relations underwent profound changes in the 20th century – from over-involvement to neglect. In the first half of the century, Africa was under complete colonial occupation. Following the decolonization of the continent, the character and intensity of external involvement changed and Africa became marginalized. The course deals with all of these developments.

Topics include: Africa and the superpowers (US and USSR) during the Cold War; Africa and the colonial mother countries (France and Great Britain); bilateral relations with China, Cuba, Japan, the European Union and the Middle East; Africa, the end of the Cold War and the New World Order; Africa and the global economy; inter-African relations; the causes for war between states and within states; international involvement in civil wars; conflict resolution by regional forces and the African Union (and its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity); Africa and the UN; the “privatization” of diplomacy.

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1Students may write a seminar paper in this course, although it is not required.