Globalization & State Capacity in Africa

Abstract

The paper examines the impact of globalization on state capacity in Africa. It problematizes globalization as a central determining factor in building the capable state in Africa. Globalization, although it requires typologizing and contextualizing or historicizing, is used to refer to a complex set of interconnected multi-linear, multifaceted and dialectical and still unfolding historical processes, propelled by the transnationalization of finance capital, in search of new markets, and the logic of capital accumulation, and typically characterized by structural differentiation and unequal functional integration between metropolitan and dependent or satellite nations, peoples and markets. State capacity is used neither narrowly nor exclusively as human and physical resource capacity-building or capacity-enhancement, nor limited to econometric or statistical computations of gross domestic product or national income data, though it includes and requires both. Its use assumes a democratic, open, participatory, and socially inclusive political system, as important conditions for expanding and consolidating state capacity on a sustainable basis in Africa.The paper situates the problem of globalization for state capacity in Africa in the wider Pan African context. Historically, globalization has divided and balkanized African countries, carving out political, economic and cultural spheres of influence, and weakening their ability to act collectively to defend their common interests. Collective action by African countries to confront the challenges and opportunities of globalization requires new governance structures to strengthen African regional economic communities, the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa's Development, along lines that will, by democratizing decision-making and public political processes within their member-states, enhance state capacity in various sectors.Attributing the problematic character of state capacity in Africa to the massive problem of the structural condition of the African state, the paper argues that this is notably and significantly due to the contradictions arising from globalization and the dependent character of the African state, reflecting the lingering or residual colonial inheritance of dependent political and socioeconomic and psycho-cultural structures, institutions and processes, which are at the heart of the problem of state capacity in Africa. They reflect the dialectics or antinomies, the age-old or historically deep contradictory push and pull of globalization and localization or indigenization in Africa.The paper suggests that, resolving these antinomies or contradictions, requires the following:(a) Transforming contemporary globalization, on the basis of mutuality, recognition and reciprocity, emphasizing new Afrocentric epistemological foundations for thinking about African and global development, global social justice, global income redistribution, economic and socio-cultural rights, global inclusion, and global democracy.(b) Emphasizing the use of “appropriate” technologies, to ‘fit’ the lifestyles and social organizations of local communities, growing from them, requiring less reliance on outside experts and using more local expertise.(c) Re-designing new Pan-African approaches to state capacity, to strengthen the collective capacity of African continental and regional institutions to respond to globalization, turning its negative implications for Africa into opportunities to reform globalization, and make it truly global.(d) Reconceptualizing democracy, on the basis of the positive role of culture in generating and institutionalizing new modes of self-reliant, and transparent democratic governance.