ONLINE-Plus: Evolution of regionalism in Africa - Einzelansicht

African regional integration cannot be divorced from the need to eradicate colonialism and neocolonialism. Africa’s common historical experience has propelled the institutional developments observed today. However, its evolution is not without struggles. Since the 1960s, when its formal institutionalisation began; African regionalism became known for its contentious and innovative politics.

This seminar course introduces students to broad themes in the process since the beginning of African regionalism. Using scholarly articles and primary texts where suitable, this seminar will highlight key debates and issues in African regional building. Attention will be given to founding political thought, competing visions of African regionalism, and institutional designs’ evolution. It will explore the institutional designs of the Organisation of African Unity and the African Union, and the implications of overlapping regionalism for continental integration. The seminar will use a comparative approach to trace continuities and changes in political thought, institutions, and debates as part of the OAU transition to the AU.

Legum, Colin (1975). “The Organization of African Unity: Success or Failure?” International Affairs, 51, 2, 209-219

Tieku, T. K. (2019). “The African Union: Successes and Failures.” In T. K. Tieku, Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics. Oxford University Press.

Karbo, T., & Murithi, T. (2017). The African Union: Autocracy, Diplomacy and Peacebuilding in Africa. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Please note that the seminar rhythm deviates from the regular weekly mode. It is taught twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) during the first half of the semester period.

Assessment

The seminar will be delivered through a combination of presentations, discussions of assigned texts, and debates. Students will be required to write a term paper or exam at the end.