Realism, Neocolonialism and European Military Intervention in Africa

Abstract

This chapter argues that the realist approach, with an emphasis on the concepts of fear and uncertainty, supplemented with neo-colonialist approaches, provide the best way to understand European military intervention in Africa since the end of the Cold War. European military intervention in the region is essentially French intervention. It mostly takes place in former colonies, and for security and prestige motives. French foreign policy in Africa is moving away from some aspects of neo-colonialism. British military intervention has been very rare, but it is now increasing with the fight against terrorism and the desire to promote British prestige with the United States. Motives for EU intervention have changed. In the 2003–2008 period, it was to acquire prestige, but since 2008 it has been to bring stability to African regions in conflict, protect EU economic interests and show a humanitarian face to the world. The first section of the chapter analyses the realist and neo-colonial approaches to motives for intervention. The second looks at the rhetoric related to relations with Africa of France, the United Kingdom and the European Union and argues that these actors emphasise the importance of humanitarianism because of their fear of uncertainty and instability. The third gives an overview of motives for intervention of these three actors and demonstrates that security and prestige interests matter for all actors, whereas neo-colonialism is waning.