Contending Hegemony and the New Security Systems in Africa

Abstract

This paper evaluates the new scramble for Africa in the post-cold war era which has largely contributed to the geostrategic reshaping of the continent. Although much like its predecessor, this newfound scramble is based on resource scarcity that favors dominant powers and discards the hopes and interests of African peoples. The paper deviates, as it should, from the pessimistic outlook that western scholars have adopted in their prediction of the African future. Rather, this analysis builds on the perspective founded by prominent Pan African figures like Henry Sylvester Williams, Edward W. Blyden, W.E.B. Du Bois and Kwame Nkrumah where the main focus lies in forming a comprehensive view of Africa founded on principles of unity and renaissance, in a way that supports the aspiration of the African peoples. The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of solving African problems through African perspectives, reiterating the need for relying on the African Union (AU) as a framework to formulate a system of collective security. The African Peace and Security Architecture came into existence by establishing the Peace and Security Council (PSC) in 2004.

Keywords: Hegemony, scramble for Africa, security, soft power, The African Union, AFRICOM

JEL Classification: Z29