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Africa’s Challenge to International Relations Theory. Kevin
C. Dunn & Timothy M. Shaw (eds). New York: Palgrave Publishers
Ltd, 2001. 242 pp.
Editors
Kevin C. Dunn and Timothy M. Shaw boldly step forward to challenge
established international relations theories and the ways in which IR
theories are formulated. After reviewing the fundamental elements of core IR
models, including neorealism, neoliberalism,
and structuralism, Dunn reminds readers that Africa has conventionally remained absent from traditional theory-making. In
other words, in terms of political analysis, Africa has become marginalized. Dunn then insists that to the contrary, African(ist) issues are central to
understanding today’s international relations,
although not necessarily along the parameters of “old-school” Western IR
theory.
Africa’s Challenge to International Relations Theory focuses on the concepts of security, power,
states, nations, and sovereignty to underline the holes in current methods of
analysis. The articles included within this compilation are organized into
three parts: Part I begins by dismantling traditional IR theory; Part
II emphasizes the absence of African(ist) content
in leading IR analyses; Part III outlines policy implications based on the
preceding material.
For
readers relatively unfamiliar with the conventions of international relations
theory, Dunn and Shaw include writings that provide historical background to
the Westphalian System, and on the beginnings of IR
as a political science. For readers who are well-versed in IR theory, this
book offers a fascinatingly unconventional examination of Africa as a unique region characterized by a similarly unique role in IR
studies. The articles in this volume combine overviews of colonial and
post-colonial dynamics in Africa with strongly supported suggestions for a
revised IR theory that takes these dynamics into due consideration. The
contents of each individual article seem united by a theme that highlights
the distinctiveness of African institutions. The articles identify as an
important concept the idea that Africa cannot, and
must not, be held to a universal standard of moral authority. Although
sovereignty encompasses many diverse forms, a Western interpretation of
sovereignty and statehood has come to dominate others interpretations. Not
only do several articles bring to question the [Western] perception of
African states, but they also question the basic importance of the state (or
lack thereof) as an African institution. After overturning several
well-established theories on issues of sovereignty and statehood, a number of
the authors present possible alternatives to IR theorizing, such as a
broadening of social knowledge, or a reevaluation of the very concept of
statehood.
This
book does not merely dare to suspect the gospel of IR traditionalists, but it
goes further to question popularly studied trends, such as liberalism and globalism. Without discounting these trends entirely, the
authors find, and try to fill, the loopholes within such approaches to IR
analysis. The authors point out areas in which others may have failed to
acknowledge Africa as an essential diversifying contributor to major
IR questions. Rather than seeking to make room for African(ist) analysis in existing theories, Dunn and Shaw
emphasize the need to revise theories altogether. Africa, being a singular representative of myriad non-Western conventions,
brings to light the gaping holes in IR studies to date.
Far
from being an empty treatise on the flaws on IR theory, Africa’s
Challenge to International Relations Theory suggests policy implications
built on a strong foundation of evidence and analysis. James Jude Hentz proposes regionalism as a revised approach to
foreign relations toward Africa. Timothy M. Shaw provides a checklist for policy
makers, including the expansion and diversification of peace building
efforts.
This
book is ideal for those seeking an explanation for Africa’s
unique position in the world, and for IR theorists wishing to find an
enlightened reconsideration of the conventions in their field. The
authors/editors invoke frustration with regards to the marginalization of Africa, while simultaneously generating urgency for the need to tackle the
flaws of IR theory and to create an appreciation for Africa there within. In their commentary, the editors brush the line of
didacticism, but do not cross it. The articles in this volume communicate a
general tone of regret and exigency, but in the process do not completely
attack the validity of the theories they criticize. Dunn and Shaw clearly
acknowledge the need to offer varied perspectives from a wide source of
authors, and to include historical, theoretical, and political views. The
occasional inclusion of primary sources facilitates balance between an
objective presentation of facts and events, and a potentially subjective
author/editor interpretation of the issues.
Africa’s Challenge to International Relations Theory achieves its goal of problematizing
conventions. However, it also goes beyond, venturing into possible solutions
for theory revision. In stressing future implications, this book demands the
attentive consideration of Africanists; as source
of historical example, as a model for regional and global trends, and as a
superlatively influential factor in IR studies. This text ought to be
revisited, so as to gauge the progress of policies and attitudes toward Africa in the future.
Lisa Mueller
Pomona College, Claremont, CA
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