The diplomacy of partition revisited: African−Asian relations and the economic diplomacy of security

Abstract

This paper examines the promising relations between Africa and the emerging Asian powers. The most significant event in African international relations was the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, which amongst other things partitioned Africa and imposed the Westphalian state system on Africa. This imposition is still being felt today through the military engagements in African politics, the latest being Mali. The emerging Asian powers have enjoyed a relationship with Africa based on mutual sympathies as was characterized by the Non-Aligned Movement. While these historical relations are still being used as a rationale for emerging Africa−Asia relations, lately these sympathies have been transfigured in the Asian power searches for economic and human security survival. The paper argues that the foreign and economic policies of the emerging Asian powers in Africa in effect are turning the clock back and economically re-partitioning Africa. The paper argues that this trend of relations, while useful for Asia, is detrimental to Africa, and hence needs to be revisited. The paper concludes that at the end of the day, relations between Africa and the emerging Asian powers must be based on the need for both to maintain their identity and interests in mutually fulfilling ways. The failure to do so will entrench the emergent (economic) partition of Africa, with all its attendant consequences for its future and for Africa−Asia relations.