UNIDAD EDUCATIVA
2.2. CLIMA SOCIAL
2.2.4. Características del clima de aula
According to Ekeh (1978:331) “solutions to problems demand contexts and sometimes models. Relying on the earlier work of Eberhard (1968), Ekeh posits that because the new nations operate under “historical disadvantage”, the modern “world time” context will work against the strategy of physical isolation from world affairs.
In the early years of her nationhood America successfully chose isolation until she was compelled by external factors to enter international relations. China also chose isolation or autarky until it was no longer politically expedient. On the other hand, Japan took the route of insulation. This entailed opening her doors to foreign trade and technology but closing or restricting them against t h e intrusion of t h e foreign culture. Ekeh argues that if isolation is no longer practicable in the modern world, can Africa choose insulation? If insulation worked for Japan in the 19th century, could it have worked for Africa in the 20th century, or this century?
The importance of discussing contexts and model is that if the former is properly understood, and the latter is correctly chosen, the combination can fast-track the process of national development. This is significant because we already know that Africa is weak internally, and with that background, little or nothing can be achieved externally. But no model will work in the absence of political stability.
Therefore, the first challenge is how to create conditions in Africa that will promote political stability. It is well known that no nation or society can generate, or sustain economic growth and development in an atmosphere of political crises. If the Sudanese political crises are protracted; if Somalia is in turmoil, and if Ivory coast continues to fester there is no way Africa will not be distracted, or be able to benefit from peace dividends, or indeed, make any meaningful contribution to world peace and security. Kissinger, (2001:201) once lamented that America has no properly articulated African policy and argues that “the continent’s contemporary problems are a challenge to a world that aspires to build a global order.
In the early days of independence, a few African leaders, notably Kwame Nkrumah canvassed for a single African voice so that the continent can
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earn respect in world affairs. In the worlds of the late Ghanaian leader, citing the examples of the United States and theformer Soviet Union, “a single representation, resting on the strength of a whole continent, would be more positive in its influence than all the separate representations of all the African states put together (Nkrumah 1963:195).
Though with the passage of time and the consolidation of national sovereignty of African states, this proposition has lost attraction; yet the idea of a more politically integrated African Union (AU) is closer to Nkrumah’s vision.
In intents, if not in form, African Parliament, the NEPAD initiative and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), have the potentials to give to Africa the benefits of continental solidarity, and possibly eliminate what Nkrumah called “irredentist dissensions”.
4.0 CONCLUSION
It is obvious from the foregoing that the challenges of modern international affairs are more than those of pre-colonial Africa.
Revolutions in transportation and communication have encouraged contacts among peoples, contributed to the spread of ideas and greater interdependence among nations. Africa’s late entry into the international arena has certainly imposed limits on her capacity and constrained the aspirations of her people. More worrisome, globalisation is increasingly making the world a global village; which makes it more challenging for Africans to explore every available opportunity for self-expression, and more relevance within the world community.
5.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, we have examined how Africa was cautiously but deliberately introduced into international affairs. We discussed Africa relatively weak position in all the dimensions of power. We observed the limited contribution Africa is making in international affairs. We finally suggested what can be done to improve Africa’s bargaining position with other regions of the world.
6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT
1. Explain how colonial legacy affected Africa’srole in international Affairs.
2. What is your assessment of Africa’s role in World Affairs?
3. How realistic is the idea of political unification as a means of
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7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Aluko, B. (1981). Essays in Nigerian Foreign Policy. London: George Allen & Unwin.
Nkrumah, K. (1963). Africa Must Unite. London: Panaf Books Ltd.
Efoegbu, R. (1980). Foundation course in International Relations for African Universities. London: George Allen & Unwin.
Kissinger, H. (2001). Does America Need a Foreign Policy? New York:
Simon & Schuster.
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