AFST 466 Politics of War in Africa

Course Description• This is a seminar style course that introduces students to the

dynamics of violent conflicts in Africa. Using an interdisciplinary

approach, this course will examine the underlying factors that

influence conflicts in Africa. Key analyses from historical, social,

economical, political and cultural studies will be used in

examining the causes of and responses to inter-state and intra-

state conflicts in Africa.

• Furthermore, this course will explore the role of China in peace

making and building in Africa.

• As a seminar students will be required to engage in critical

analysis and debates, using historic and contemporary case

studies.

Course Objectives

• Understanding African politics and

governance.

• Understanding African conflicts using an

interdisciplinary approach.

• Understanding the role of China in peace

making and building in Africa.

Historical Relationship between China & Africa

• Explore the historical ties between Africa

and China

– The absence of colonial ties to and China’s support for

African liberation movements played a pivotal role in

developing the relationship between the two entities.

• Sino–African relations during the Ming dynasty (1368–

1644)

• Expeditions that reached the East African coast under

the command of Admiral Zheng He (1405–1433).

• Bandung Conference in 1955, that established the Five

Principles of Peaceful Co‐existence

– Mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty

– Mutual non‐aggression

– Mutual non‐interference at each other’s internal affairs

– Equality and mutual benefit

– Peaceful co‐existence

Chinese Government Issues African Policy Paper

• Peace and security

•   Military cooperation

• China will promote high-level military exchanges between the two sides and

actively carry out military-related technological exchanges and cooperation.

It will continue to help train African military personnel and support defense

and army building of African countries for their own security.

• Conflict settlement and peacekeeping operations

• China supports the positive efforts by the AU and other African regional

organizations and African countries concerned to settle regional conflicts and

will provide assistance within our own capacity. It will urge the UN Security

Council to pay attention to and help resolve regional conflicts in Africa. It will

continue its support to and participation in UN peacekeeping operations in

Africa.

Peace Keeping Operations

• PLA’s active role in UN peacekeeping

operations and humanitarian aid in Africa

– Chinese peacekeepers, deployed in Western Sahara,

Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Sudan, and the Democratic

Republic of Congo.

Peace Making • Sino-Africa’s military cooperation based on the five

principles of peaceful coexistence.

– Non-imposition of China’s social system, ideology or values on

any African country.

– energy and economic cooperation between China and Africa is

based on equality, reciprocity and complementarity.

– Preferential loans to African countries.

– Sino-African cooperation is aimed at maintaining and boosting

both sides' interests.

– Sino-African military relations will strengthen their new

strategic partnership.