IR theory is primarily focused on the “greater” Western powers, while Africa is periphery to the core of
the theory itself. Many central concepts of IR theory are not applicable to Africa, such as anarchy and
sovereignty.
2. List the six phases of IR in Africa.
1st - Post-Independence (early 1960s to 1970s)
2nd - Consolidation (1970s)
3rd - Crisis and dependence (end of 1970s to 1980s)
4th - False democratisation and Afro-pessimism (1989 to 1997)
5th - Renewed engagement (1998 to 2007)
6th - Global financial crisis, multilateralism and new alliances (2008 onwards).
3. What are the two categories of political organisation?
The two categories of political organisation are the state and stateless society.
4. Define stateless society.
Stateless society means that there is an absence of government and a lack of hierarchy. Society is led by
family groups who made decisions for the good of the whole society.
5. What was the impact of non-hegemonic states in Africa?
The lack of non-hegemonic states meant that there were no permanent or precisely set boundaries
between areas or ethnic groups. The power broadcast weakened the further from the capital a
community was, which contributed to an overlapping of authority.
6. What were the European powers motivations for the scramble for Africa?
The Europeans were motivated to obtain areas in Africa due to imperialism, economic reasons, strategic
reasons such as securing trade routes, personal ambitions like in the case of King Leopold of Belgium
and nationalistic reasons.
7. Name and briefly explain the outcomes of the scramble for Africa.
Modern states – the division of Africa into modern states. Few Africans had previously experienced this
reality.
Arbitrary boundaries – existing economic, social or political divisions were not considered in the
European division of Africa.
Reinforcing the non-hegemonic state – power was once again strongest in the capital and weakened
further from that more profitable region.
Weak links between state and civil society – there was no shared political culture between the state
and society.
, The formation of state elites – creation of small indigenous elites, mostly traditional leaders (chiefs or
monarchs), rise of ‘big men’ and bureaucratic elite.
Economic inheritance – disadvantage in the international community, the exploitation of labour
resulted in the underdevelopment of human resources.
Weak political institutions – fragile liberal democratic institutions, there was a return to colonial-style
authoritarian state.
8. What factors contributed to decolonisation?
Decolonisation came about for several reasons such as African nationalism, African demand for self-
determination and democracy, the spread of liberalism and capitalism, moral motivations from the
Western powers as well as the issue of cost.
9. What are the characteristics of African nationalism?
African nationalism is characterised by anti-imperialism, autonomy, unity, economic development,
state-led, being against ‘tribalism’ and a strong executive.
10. Which country’s government promoted humanism and under which leader? Define it.
Zambia’s leader Kaunda promoted humanism, which is a rationalist ideology that places prime
importance on the human being rather than the divine.
11. Define African socialism.
African socialism built upon Marxism but remained independent. It placed importance on African
traditions such as community, classlessness and co-operation. It was modern in its sense of combining
tradition with technology and modern production skills. It followed a non-capitalist path to socialism
and focused largely on nationalisation (Tanzania under Julius K. Nyerere).
12. Define Populism
Populism advocates people’s representation and participation. It is generally formed in the wake of
military coups or regimes seeking legitimacy.
13. Name three types of political mobilisation.
Ethnicity as a type of social organisation, hegemonial exchange and religion.
14. Name and explain three sources of legitimacy.
Traditional – rests on society’s culture and history.
Charismatic – citizens choose to follow a particular leader due to their personality or ideals (Big Men).
Legal-rational authority – government based on a social contract.
15. What are some of the characteristics of a centralised state?
The characteristics of a centralised state are an accumulation of power in the executive branch, which is
usually the head of state. Political mobilisation through one official political party. Civil society is
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