A World in Flux: Options for Africa

Abstract

This qualitative analysis aims to contribute options for the repositioning of Africa to end its marginalisation and underdevelopment against the backdrop of a changing world order. Africa is widely perceived as a stepchild of global diplomacy, always on the fringes of benefits, and marginalised at diplomacy’s top table despite numerous efforts to reverse the trend. While the West-led unipolar liberal world order still dictates global policy, it is in decline. Recent headlines show a world in flux, with nations jostling for advantage in anticipation of a new world order taking shape. Many UN members who feel that the West-led order favours the West against the rest are pursuing different narratives towards a non-ideological multipolar world in which they can assert their autonomy and agendas. Among the existing country groupings, Africa is pivoting towards BRICS, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. BRICS is offering an attractive economic order and an inclusive voice in a multicultural world. This paper follows the historical approach. By examining sources and extant literature, it emphasises that Africa, a continent rich in natural resources, labour, markets, and innovation, may miss out on the once-in-a-century opportunity presented by a shifting global order if it does not shed the stepchild image, reassert its autonomy and reframe its priorities based on its identity and values. The study focuses on proactive and strategic measures that Africa may take to review its long-standing integration frameworks that are lagging behind global developments and liberate itself from colonial constraints. The opportunities for Africa to profit from the rapidly shifting global dynamics are outlined in the paper's conclusion.