B5862 - International Relations of Africa

Learning outcomes

The objective of the course is to provide the tools necessary for a critical analysis of the international relations of the countries of Africa. At the end of the course, the student possesses a knowledge and ability to critically analyze the role/priority of African continental and regional institutions, the relationship between the African governments and the donor community, and in particular the historical evolution of political and economic relations between Africa and the European Union.

Course contents

The first part of the course examines the early phase of interaction among African countries after independence, the creation of the Organisation of African Unity and the relations between the African governments and the Cold War actors. The second part analyses the regionalisation of security in Africa after the end of the Cold War. Relations between Africa and the European Union will be critically scrutinized. The third part of the course examines the creation of the African Union, the relations between Africa and China and the threat of international terrorism on the continent.

The course is organized in lectures and seminars, as detailed in the following program. Lectures (20 hours) aim to introduce students to the core tenets of the discipline. Seminars (10 hours) aim to provide occasions for in-depth discussions of class materials and exercises. For the seminar section of the course, students will be divided in two groups. Students are required to carefully read the assigned material before the session and - in the case of seminars - active participation through presentations of existing scholarship and case studies will also be expected.

Readings/Bibliography

Reading for students attending classes

B. E. Whitaker, J. Clark, Africa's International Relations. Balancing Domestic and Foreign Interests, Boulder, Lynne Rienner, 2018.

E. Schmidt, Foreign Intervention in Africa.From the Cold War to the War on Terror, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2013.

H. Solomon, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism in Africa, Basingstoke, Palgrave. 2015.

Reading for students non attending classes

B. E. Whitaker, J. Clark, Africa's International Relations. Balancing Domestic and Foreign Interests, Boulder, Lynne Rienner, 2018.

E. Schmidt, Foreign Intervention in Africa.From the Cold War to the War on Terror, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2013.

P. Carmody, The New Scramble for Africa, Cambridge, Polity Press, 2011.

H. Solomon, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism in Africa, Basingstoke, Palgrave. 2015.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars

Assessment methods

For students attending classes

The final grade is determined by the paper each student is required to write (max 6.000 words) (max 8/30) and the final written exam (max 22/30).

For students non attending classes

Oral exam.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Arrigo Pallotti