Nov/Dec 2005:Lead theme: South Africa: Big Brother or the New Imperial Power in Africa?
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ISSN : 1744-2532 (Print
ISBN : 2516-5305 (Online)
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South Africa: A Big Brother or the New Imperial Power in Africa?
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Jideofor Adibe
In the September/ October issue of the journal, we looked at the quest to reform the United Nations Security Council, including Africa?s position in that quest and posed a number fundamental questions: Is the will to reform the UN-SC there at all or are talks about reforming the UN-SC mere word-mongering and empty rhetoric? What kind of geo-political alliances will any quest to offer permanent membership of the Security Council to some African countries throw up in the continent???
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In this edition we focus on post-Apartheid South Africa, which has a dominant position in Africa?s political economy. We examine the country?s Africa policies, including its trade policies, and pose a number of vital questions: What is the character of South Africa?s relations with the rest of the continent? Who benefits from its apparently increasing engagement with the rest of the continent? Put simply, is South Africa the new big brother or the new imperial power in Africa?
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Contributors to the lead theme sought answers to the above questions, and more. Laurie Nathan examines the coherence and contradictions in South Africa?s foreign policy in Africa, and argues that those who view South Africa?s Africa policy as ?limited to the advancement of national interests are mistaken?. He contends that while its ?policy is necessarily intended to further domestic interests, it also embraces an ambitious continental and global agenda that has idealist, internationalist and emancipatory tendencies.? Peter Draper and NkululekoKhumalo discuss South Africa?s trade relations with Africa in particular and argue that although South Africa considers ?the economic rejuvenation of the continent a key pillar of its economic policy?, it ?must lead by example, by opening up its own market through unilateral and preferential tariff liberalisation and liberal rules of origin.?
Mammo Muchie argues that South Africa?s liberation from Apartheid is a historic contribution to Africa, and the human race. He however contends that the country appears to be bifurcated into two ? the first economy (equating to the European part) and the second economy (equating to the African part). He argues that understanding the nature of this bifurcation,? and which of the two parts of South Africa is linking with Africa is necessary to before one can properly understand who gains from ?these relationships. Jonah Onuoha examines the bi-lateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, in particular the impact of the Bi-National Commission on Nigeria and South Africa economic relations. He blames the Nigerian government for the successful invasion of the Nigerian economy by South African companies, and warns that ?if Nigeria fails to utilize the opportunity provided by South Africa?s domination of her economy to strategically reposition public enterprises, reduce corruption and inject new blood into the economy, the sleeping giant may relapse into coma.?
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Besides the lead theme, we also assembled a number of other interesting articles, ? from an analysis of Nigeria?s oil and gas industry to an exposition of ?the rhetoric of violence in Alex la Guma?s novels
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Africa: cursed by history?
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?No continent is pulled in as many different and often conflicting directions as Africa. ?It is the only continent where different countries, and even nationalities within countries, are sharply divided, and sometimes defined by their emotive external allegiances. Hence, we have Anglohone Africa, Francophone Africa, Lusophone Africa, Arab Africa, Bantu Africa, Christian Africa, Islamic Africa, Diaspora Africa etc.
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In the January/February 2006 edition of the journal, we will, in the lead theme, examine the ?curse? of Africa?s multiple heritages and their impacts on African identity, continental unity projects, and development trajectories. ?We invite you to contribute to the main theme or any other topic of interest. Send your contribution to: editor@adonis-abbey.com