AFRICA AND THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM: A REVIEW

Abstract

Up until the early 15th century, the regions now known as the global North and South were developing at a fairly comparable pace, as measured by the development index. But that comparable development was later truncated by a large-scale expropriation of resources from the south to the north, giving birth to international division of labour. The position of Africa in the international system can be understood within the context of this international division of labour, prompted by the spread of capitalism and engendered by the advanced industrialised countries of the world. It is against this backdrop that this paper reviewed from a comparative perspective the position of Africa in the international system with a view to highlight Africa’s strengths and weaknesses in the face of contemporary realities. The paper adopted a qualitative comparative research design. Data and information used were basically sourced from secondary sources such as reports, researched articles, and books. The paper provides a review of how Africa was integrated into the global economy by highlighting the instrumentalities of barbarian domination, imperialism, colonialism, and neo-colonialism. The consequence of which is the marginalization of Africa in world affairs. The paper indicated that global institutions, multilateral organisations, and external influence on national policies remain potent threats to Africa’s extrication and development. The paper assessed the call for a New International Economic Order and a New Partnership for Africa Development as attempts by Africa to ask for a more equitable international economic regime. The paper made recommendations on the way forward for Africa and concluded that even in the 21st century, the unequal relationships between the Western industrialised countries and Africa still persist. However, Agenda 2063 offers Africa a template for extrication. Keywords: Africa, International system, Development, Global south and north.