Global Politics and Security Implications of Foreign Aids for African Development

Abstract

Globalization has redefined the concept of (nation) independence, especially in terms of (absolute) sovereignty and economic dependence. Nevertheless, it has promoted the difference between developed and developing countries. African nations are described as developing economies and continually spoon-fed by the developed western nations. While the scramble for and partition of African nations is no longer about the physical presence and dominance of the countries by the 'developed' nations, global politics in foreign aids are engaged to perpetuate control and dictate governance and policies to African nations. Foreign aids support African nations' security, economic, environmental, social, and political development. Foreign aids are not limited to cash but could come in technical and operational support, including capacity buildings and long-term loans. However, history has shown the craving and determination of most African nations to receive cash donations or loans for nations' development. Most of these monies have also lubricated corruption as funds meant for the nations’ socio-economic development ended up in bank accounts of most political officeholders. The situation has plunged many African nations into huge debts, thereby overtly submissive to the dictates and controls of countries in the western world. Aware of this, many of these foreign countries have exploited many African nations of massive mineral and other natural resources, determined to keep the giver-taker relationship's status-quo. Foreign aids are two-edged swords with both positive and negative impacts. Many papers have reviewed these impacts on national development with the people's well-being and the foreign dominance attributes of these aids. This paper looks at the trajectory of foreign aids, security, leadership, and development.