Abstract
Abstract This study assesses the viability of relations between the US and sub-Saharan Africa by examining the trends of their political and economic cooperation. Given the high number of member states involved in this partnership, a strong alliance could influence good governance practices beyond their continents. The gist of their relationship challenges lies in claims by sub-Saharan states that the partnership is one-sided in favour of the US, turning the enterprise into a zero-sum game. For instance, the US insist on their partners to meet thresholds of ‘good governance practices’ as determined by the US itself. However, governance breaches are revealed from both sides. Data for this study were gathered from secondary and primary sources. The study concludes that the relationship is lukewarm due to mistrust, and this has led to the unsuccessful US involvement in sub-Saharan Africa.
Highlights
This paper explores the political trajectory of relations between the US and sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st century
During the early 1990s, the main relations between the US and sub-Saharan Africa were centred on the Washington Consensus policies and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans focused on Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP)
The US seems to be in a typical catch-22 situation as it appears to have lost face with most sub-Saharan states due to the perception that the trade deals between them are one-sided in favour of the US
Summary
This paper explores the political trajectory of relations between the US and sub-Saharan Africa in the 21st century. During the early 1990s, the main relations between the US and sub-Saharan Africa were centred on the Washington Consensus policies and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans focused on Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP) These programs were offered on condition that recipient sub-Saharan states agreed to champion the free market ideology. Inequalities created by neo-liberal capitalism (led by the US) in form of unfair corporate trade practices, pollution from mining industries, non-adherence to the United Nations (UN) greenhouse emission thresholds and dumping of technological and industrial waste in poor countries have exposed the dark side of globalization (Ibrahim, 2013) From this narrative, it can be deduced that one of the major criticisms of the US hegemonic power lies precisely in its purported strength: that there is no country or organisation that can check its excesses or audit its deviations from good governance practices and hold it to account (Moyo, 2018). Moyo (2011) suggests that the alternative relationship for sub-Saharan Africa could be cultivated with the former colonial powers (Britain and France) but the relations with them are lukewarm because their approach to harnessing African international relations is not different from that of the US
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
