English

A Hassan Hamdy

doi:10.5897/ajpsir2015.0772

Abstract

This paper evaluates the new scramble for Africa in the post-cold war era which has largely contributed to the geostrategic reshaping of the continent. Although much like its predecessor, this newfound scramble is based on resource grabbing scarcity that favors dominant powers and discards the hopes and interests of African peoples. The paper deviates, as it should, from the pessimistic outlook that western scholars have adopted in their prediction of African future. Rather, this analysis builds on the perspective founded by prominent Pan African figures like Henry Sylvester Williams, Edward W. Blyden, W.E.B. Du Bois and Kwame Nkrumah , Sekou Toure and Gamal Abdel Nasser, where the main focus lies in forming a comprehensive view of Africa founded on principles of unity and renaissance, in a way that supports the aspiration of the African peoples. The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of solving African problems through African perspectives, reiterating the need for relying on the African Union (AU) as framework to formulate a system of collective security. The African Peace and Security Architecture came into existence by establishing the Peace and Security Council (PSC) in 2004. Key words: Hegemony, scramble for Africa, security, soft power, The African Union, AFRICOM.

Highlights

There has been vital transformation in the global geostrategic scene after the end of the cold war, leading to a renewed international focus on governance and security affairs
The remarks made by the South African President Jacob Zuma have indicated that Africa can make effective contributions to global security affairs in the context of a changing global power structure (WEF, 2013)
The post 9/11 Era (September 2001 – present) has led to the mobilization of foreign military forces in many African territories as a result of the international campaign on terrorism led by the US as well as the lack of security apparent in the areas of Sahel, Horn of Africa and Western Sahara

Summary

Introduction

There has been vital transformation in the global geostrategic scene after the end of the cold war, leading to a renewed international focus on governance and security affairs. The main drivers for the shift in focus are perhaps due to the international community's growing security concerns paired with unprecedented complications that have shaped recent global affairs Such focus is embodied with the ongoing controversy regarding the importance of reforming the United Nations and redefining the international system. The remarks made by the South African President Jacob Zuma have indicated that Africa can make effective contributions to global security affairs in the context of a changing global power structure (WEF, 2013). Such contributions would lead to renewed interest in Africa, and to the existence of social, environmental, and security issues in global level with significant implications on the international sphere. The rise of violence and religious extremism in North and West Africa, accompanied by the border security dilemmas involving illicit arms trade and organized crime in west

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