POS 3305 - African International Relations

Credits: 3 hrs

This course introduces students to the economic, political, diplomatic and strategic dimensions of the external relations of the 54 African states, from independence to the present. The course begins with an historical overview of Africa’s international relations from 1945 to 1965 focusing on such issues as the heritage of colonialism, federalism, and pan-Africanism and African unity. Topics covered include: Africa’s evolving relations with the major world powers-particularly the U.S.A., the European Union and France-during and after the Cold War; Africa in the world economy; African conflicts and conflict prevention, management and resolution initiatives; and African cooperation and integration at the sub-regional and continental levels, with particular focus on the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and it successor organization, the African Union (AU).