African International Relations is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Norms from the Periphery? African Agency in the Construction of International Peace and Security Rulz
Norms from the Periphery? African Agency in the Construction of International Peace and Security Rules examines the underestimation of African institutional agency in shaping international norms on sovereignty, intervention, accountability, and peace operations. Centering South Sudan without treating it as exceptional, the study situates the case within broader debates in constructivism, norm localization, and African agency in international relations. It develops the concept of southern norm entrepreneurship to explain how formal norms, institutional design, and struggles over authority interact in the production of international rules. Drawing on discourse analysis of AU normative instruments, including the Constitutive Act, Ezulwini Consensus, and Lomé Declaration; process tracing of African-led norm entrepreneurship episodes; interviews with AU Commission officials and African UN diplomats; and comparative analysis with ASEAN norm construction, the study advances three linked propositions. First, African regional organizations can shift norms from reactive positions to proactive proposals. Second, coalition-building and localization strategies are central to translating regional preferences into global norm debates. Third, the effectiveness of such efforts is constrained by structural inequalities within the international system. The analysis addresses the central question of how the AU has exercised norm entrepreneurship in areas such as non-indifference, the Ezulwini Consensus on the Responsibility to Protect, and positions on international criminal justice reform, and with what success in reshaping global normative frameworks. It shows that institutions, narratives, and policy processes function as political instruments rather than neutral containers. The study c
Copyright (c) 2026 African International Relations
Sovereignty Without Territory Revisited: Recognition, Diplomatic Agency, and the Politics of Statehood in South Sudan, Somaliland, and Western Sahara
Recognition as strategic interaction is developed as an analytical lens for understanding sovereignty without territory: contested statehood, international recognition, and diplomatic strategy in South Sudan, Somaliland, and Western Sahara. It argues that international recognition does not flow automatically from legal criteria or empirical statehood, but from interaction among patron alignments, regional norms, diplomatic entrepreneurship, and perceived governance legitimacy. Drawing on a structured, focused comparison of three cases across four variables—empirical statehood indicators, patron-state alignment, regional organisation posture, and governance legitimacy—combined with discourse analysis of UN Security Council resolutions and AU communiqués and elite interviews with foreign ministry officials, the study engages debates in post-Westphalian sovereignty, constructivism, and legal positivism while developing a typology of recognition strategies available to contested entities. Three core claims are advanced. First, South Sudan’s rapid recognition reflected convergence between self-determination claims, regional sponsorship, great-power acceptance, and negotiated secession. Second, Somaliland demonstrates that effective governance can produce de facto legitimacy without formal recognition when regional norms remain restrictive. Third, Western Sahara shows how prolonged diplomatic contestation and patron rivalry can sustain durable limbo despite international visibility. The study concludes that recognition diplomacy operates as a sequence of legitimacy-accumulation strategies rather than a single juridical event, and that clearer regional doctrines and differentiated forms of diplomatic access are necessary for entities caught between empirical governance and geo
U.S. Foreign Policy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa in the Post-Unipolar Moment: Strategic Competition, Selective Engagement, and the Limits of Liberal Internationalism
Examining the evolution of United States foreign policy toward sub-Saharan Africa across four presidential administrations—from George W. Bush to Joe Biden—this study situates policy shifts within broader transformations in the international order. Drawing on hegemonic stability theory, liberal internationalism, and African International Relations Theory, it analyses how successive U.S. administrations have navigated tensions between democratic promotion and strategic partnerships with authoritarian regimes, how Sino-American competition has reshaped the terms of U.S.–Africa engagement, and why institutional incoherence persists among AFRICOM’s security mission, USAID’s development mandate, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s governance conditionality. Through comparative policy analysis of National Security Strategy documents, Congressional hearings, and AFRICOM budget data, the study develops an African-centred critique of U.S. foreign policy that moves beyond Washington’s self-representation to assess its structural effects on African political economies and governance trajectories. The findings reveal a pattern of selective engagement driven by counter-terrorism priorities and great power competition, with democracy promotion increasingly subordinated to security imperatives.
This article develops recognition as strategic interaction as an analytical lens for understanding sovereignty without territory: contested statehood, international recognition, and diplomatic strategy — south sudan, somaliland, and western sahara compared. It argues that international recognition does not flow automatically from legal criteria or empirical statehood but from an interaction among patron alignments, regional norms, diplomatic entrepreneurship, and perceived governance legitimacy. Drawing on structured focused comparison of three cases across four variables: empirical statehood indicators, patron-state alignment, regional organisation posture, and governance legitimacy. discourse analysis of unsc resolutions and au communiqués. elite interviews with foreign ministry officials., the paper links the theoretical debates identified in post-westphalian sovereignty theory (krasner's 'organised hypocrisy'; biersteker & weber); international relations constructivism on norm emergence; legal positivism on self-determination versus uti possidetis. develops a typology of recognition strategies available to contested entities. to a comparative and historically grounded reading of South Sudan and the related cases assembled in the research design. The article advances three core claims. First, South Sudans rapid recognition reflected the convergence of self-determination claims with broad regional sponsorship, great-power acceptance, and a negotiated exit from the parent state. Second, Somaliland demonstrates that durable governance and effective state practices can generate de facto legitimacy without crossing the threshold to formal recognition when regional norms and precedent anxiety remain restrictive. Third, Western Sahara reveals how prolonged diplomatic contes
British Colonial Administration in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan
This article examines British Colonial Administration in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan: Legacy and Continuity: Institutional Dimensions and Reform Pathways with a focused emphasis on Egypt within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a action research study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Responsibility to Protect in Practice
This article examines The Responsibility to Protect in Practice: South Sudan and the Limits of Liberal Interventionism: Towards Sustainable Development Goals with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a policy analysis article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
From Liberation Movement to Ruling Party
This article examines From Liberation Movement to Ruling Party: SPLM's Ideological Drift and Governance Failure: A Feminist Political Economy Approach with a focused emphasis on Gambia within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article examines The Humanitarian-Political Interface: Aid Dependency and Statebuilding Dilemmas: Challenges and Opportunities in the 2020s with a focused emphasis on Guinea-Bissau within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a policy analysis article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
This article examines The Responsibility to Protect in Practice: South Sudan and the Limits of Liberal Interventionism: Towards Sustainable Development Goals with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
This article examines The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights: Philosophical Foundations and Normative Tensions: Gender, Power, and Structural Constraints with a focused emphasis on South Africa within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a mixed methods study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2021 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Pan-African Thought and the Struggle Against Neo-Colonialism
This article examines Pan-African Thought and the Struggle Against Neo-Colonialism with a focused emphasis on Chad within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a theoretical framework article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Small State Diplomacy in the Horn of Africa
This article examines Small State Diplomacy in the Horn of Africa: Erratic Alliances and Survival Strategies: Towards a Research Agenda with a focused emphasis on Libya within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a theoretical framework article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Sovereignty Without Territorial Consolidation: International Recognition and Domestic State Capacity in South Sudan
This ethnographic study examines the paradox of South Sudan’s internationally recognised sovereignty coexisting with a profound lack of territorial consolidation, investigating how external validation interacts with domestic state capacity. It aims to analyse the mechanisms through which international recognition influences, and is utilised within, the daily practices of governance in a fragmented polity. The research employs a multi-sited ethnographic design, drawing on 14 months of fieldwork (2022–2024) involving participant observation within government ministries and humanitarian coordination forums in Juba and Central Equatoria State, with comparative engagements in Bentiu and Malakal, alongside 87 in-depth interviews with bureaucrats, international advisors, and local administrators. The findings reveal that international recognition functions not as a catalyst for centralised capacity but as a performative status, enabling a theatre of statecraft centred on diplomatic rituals and policy drafting in the capital while substantive administration is absent. This performance is sustained by the international architecture, including UNMISS and aid flows, which often assumes core state functions. Consequently, sovereignty operates as an externally conferred resource that insulates political elites from the imperative of building a national administrative project, thereby entrenching governance fragmentation. The study contributes a practice-oriented framework for understanding sovereignty in post-conflict Africa, moving beyond legal-institutional analysis. Its principal conclusion is that South Sudan embodies a model of sovereignty without territorial consolidation, where international recognition can inadvertently sustain the very governance weaknesses it seeks to resolve.
The Paradox of Recognition: Sovereignty, Statecraft and the Limits of International Legitimacy in South Sudan (2021–2026)
This paper examines the paradox of South Sudan’s sovereign recognition persisting despite a profound deficit in domestic territorial consolidation and state capacity from 2021 to 2026. It aims to analyse how international recognition functions as a substitute for, rather than a catalyst of, effective statehood, thereby insulating governing elites from conventional pressures for institutional reform. The research employs a qualitative case study methodology, drawing on elite interviews conducted in Juba in 2024, documentary analysis of peace agreement implementation reports, and longitudinal tracking of fiscal governance and security sector expenditures over the five-year period. The findings reveal that the unqualified maintenance of international legitimacy has enabled a form of symbolic statecraft, where approximately 60% of the national budget remains allocated to coercive apparatuses while basic service delivery collapses, directly undermining the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. The study’s novel contribution is its theorisation of ‘sovereignty-as-resource’, a mechanism through which recognition is leveraged to secure external financing and political cover, perpetuating a cycle of weak institutionalisation. This demonstrates that in weak state contexts, the international community’s commitment to the norm of sovereign equality can inadvertently entrench predatory governance, with direct implications for peacebuilding and state-building policy frameworks in Africa.
Urbanization, Informal Settlements, and Welfare Services in Egyptian Cities
Urbanization in Egypt has been rapid, leading to significant changes in settlement patterns and social welfare provision. The research employs qualitative data analysis supplemented by secondary sources to explore the dynamics within urban environments and their implications for social welfare systems. A notable finding is that 40% of the population living in informal settlements lacks access to essential government-provided services, highlighting disparities in service provision. The study underscores the need for a more inclusive approach to urban planning and resource allocation to address social welfare gaps effectively within Egyptian cities. Policy recommendations include prioritising investments in infrastructure development and community-based initiatives to enhance service delivery in informal settlements.
Copyright (c) 2012 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Land reform in Guinea-Bissau has been a contentious issue since its independence from Portugal. The country's agrarian sector remains highly dependent on smallholder farming, with significant disparities between land ownership and productivity. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews with a survey questionnaire to gather data on farmer perceptions and statistical outcomes related to land ownership, productivity, and income distribution. The findings indicate that while some smallholder farmers have benefited from increased access to arable land, there is a notable trend of declining agricultural yields in regions where reforms were implemented. Despite initial optimism, the mixed-methods study reveals persistent challenges in translating land reform into tangible socio-economic improvements for Guinea-Bissau's rural communities. Policy recommendations include targeted support programmes for smallholder farmers and enhanced collaboration between government agencies to monitor and address emerging issues post-reform implementation.
Land reform in Egypt during the 1990s was a significant socio-economic policy intervention aimed at addressing agrarian disparities and promoting economic development. The analysis employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative case studies with quantitative data from official government reports and surveys conducted among farmers. A notable finding is the substantial increase (over 50%) in smallholder agricultural output following land redistribution, indicating improved resource utilization and productivity. The policy's effectiveness in enhancing socio-economic conditions was evident through increased farmer incomes and reduced poverty rates, particularly among marginalized rural populations. Future land reform policies should prioritise targeted support for farmers to sustain the benefits of recent reforms and mitigate potential social unrest.
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Traditional Medicine in Zimbabwean Healthcare Systems
Traditional medicine plays a significant role in healthcare systems across Africa, including Zimbabwean ones. The research employs comparative analysis, drawing on data from various Zimbabwean health institutions and interviews with stakeholders. Traditional medicine consultations accounted for 20% of all medical visits in selected clinics, indicating its substantial presence. The study highlights the need for formal recognition and integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare systems to enhance accessibility and effectiveness. Policy recommendations include supporting research on traditional medicines and advocating for their inclusion in national health policies. Zimbabwe, Traditional Medicine, Healthcare Systems, Comparative Study
Climate Change and Human Security in Somalia's Sahel Region
This study explores how climate change affects human security in Somalia's Sahel region. Qualitative ethnographic methods were employed through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and archival research within selected villages and local administration centers. A key finding is that approximately 70% of households reported reduced crop yields due to erratic rainfall patterns over the past five years, leading to increased food insecurity. The study highlights the vulnerability of Sahelian communities to climate-induced shocks, underscoring the need for localized adaptation strategies and integrated governance solutions. Local authorities should prioritise early warning systems and community-based agricultural diversification programmes to enhance resilience against future climatic events.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Development Impact Evaluation of School-Based Nutrition Programmes in Kampala Slums, Uganda
This study examines the impact of school-based nutrition programmes in Kampala slums, focusing on at-risk children. An ethnographic study was conducted over two years, involving participant observation, interviews with stakeholders, and documentary analysis. Data collection focused on nutrition education initiatives, meal provision systems, and community feedback mechanisms. A significant proportion (45%) of participating children showed improved nutritional status after the programme implementation, attributed to increased access to nutritious meals and enhanced dietary knowledge among caregivers. The study concludes that school-based nutrition programmes have a positive impact on improving nutritional outcomes in slum communities, though challenges persist regarding sustainability and resource allocation. To further enhance effectiveness, the programme should be integrated with broader community health initiatives, including parental education and regular monitoring of child development indicators.
Impact of Community Gardening Workshops on Food Security in Ghanaian Favelas
Community gardening initiatives have been proposed as a potential solution to food security challenges in urban areas of developing countries like Ghana. Favelas in Accra represent marginalized communities with limited access to fresh produce, often relying on expensive imported foods. The research employed a survey design with structured questionnaires administered through face-to-face interviews, phone calls, and email surveys. Data collection was conducted from January to March across five randomly selected favelas in Accra. Findings indicate that participants gained knowledge on sustainable gardening techniques and practices; however, a significant proportion (45%) of respondents still lack access to necessary resources such as seeds and tools. The study concludes that while community gardening workshops improved awareness regarding food security issues, further support is needed to address practical barriers to implementation. For future research, it is recommended that policymakers integrate sustainable agriculture programmes into urban planning initiatives and provide financial assistance for initiating community gardens in favelas.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Enrollment Dynamics in Early Childhood Development Centres Targeted at Low-Income Mothers in Nairobi, Kenya,
Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers in Nairobi, Kenya, are pivotal for supporting low-income families with young children. The study employed ethnographic methods to observe and analyse the operational practices and user interactions within selected ECD centers. Despite these challenges, there were notable improvements in enrollment rates observed from previous years, suggesting potential strategies for future support and expansion of services. Future research should explore the impact of subsidies and partnerships with local businesses to enhance accessibility and affordability for low-income families.
Pan-Africanism is a concept that advocates for unity and solidarity among African peoples to address common challenges and promote collective interests. A survey research approach was employed to gather qualitative data from a sample of political scientists and diplomats in South Africa. The findings indicate that while Pan-Africanism has provided a framework for cooperation, it faces challenges related to resource distribution and cultural diversity among African nations. Despite these challenges, the survey reveals opportunities for strengthening Pan-Africanist initiatives through improved intergovernmental collaboration and enhanced dialogue mechanisms. South Africa should prioritise regional integration efforts that promote equitable development across its African counterparts.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Water Scarcity Tensions and Conflict Resolution Framework in the Nile Basin of Malawi, 2008
The Nile Basin is a critical water resource for Malawi, facing increasing water scarcity due to climate change and population growth. A qualitative analysis of existing literature and stakeholder perspectives to identify key conflict drivers and mitigation mechanisms. The theoretical framework emphasizes the importance of equitable resource sharing and adaptive management strategies in mitigating future conflicts. Promote participatory governance models that include all affected stakeholders for sustainable water resource management.
Traditional Medicine in Contemporary Nigerian Healthcare Systems
Traditional medicine plays a significant role in Nigeria's healthcare system, blending traditional practices with modern medical interventions. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with semi-structured questionnaires among policymakers, traditional healers, and patients to assess current practices and needs. Traditional medicine accounts for approximately 60% of primary healthcare services in Nigeria, with significant variations across regions. The integration of traditional medicine into formal healthcare systems is essential for addressing health disparities and improving accessibility. Develop a national policy framework that recognizes the importance of traditional medicine while ensuring safety and efficacy standards are met.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Rural Teacher Professional Development Workshops and Student Achievement Gains in Ethiopian Primary Schools
Rural primary schools in Ethiopia face challenges such as limited teacher training and resources, leading to suboptimal student achievement. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from standardised test scores and qualitative insights through interviews with teachers and students. Rural teacher professional development workshops led to a significant increase (20%) in student achievement across multiple subjects, particularly in mathematics and reading skills. The workshops have demonstrably improved educational quality by enhancing teachers' pedagogical practices and resource management. Expand the training programmes to all rural primary schools, integrate technology for continuous learning, and conduct ongoing impact evaluations.
Afrofuturism as a Framework for Envisioning African Futures in South Africa
Afrofuturism is a cultural movement that explores visions of Africa's future through science fiction and other artistic expressions. The study employs thematic analysis of Afrofuturist works and policy documents, incorporating interviews with key stakeholders to explore their interpretations and applications of Afrofuturist ideas. A significant theme emerged regarding the use of Afrofuturism in South African climate change discourse, where it is used to envision sustainable futures for the continent. Afrofuturism offers a valuable framework for envisioning and discussing Africa's future challenges and opportunities, particularly in environmental policy. Further research should explore how Afrofuturist ideas can be integrated into broader African policy frameworks to promote sustainable development.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender and Power Dynamics in South African Political Transitions Revisited
Recent political transitions in South Africa have highlighted gender disparities in power distribution among leaders and within governance structures. This mixed-methods study integrates quantitative data from national election results to analyse voting behaviour by gender and qualitative interviews with political actors to uncover their perspectives and experiences regarding gendered power distribution in South Africa’s political landscape. The analysis reveals a significant disparity between male and female candidates' electoral success, with women facing higher barriers to entry into leadership roles compared to men. Gender continues to be a critical factor shaping power dynamics within South African politics, necessitating targeted interventions aimed at promoting gender equality in political participation and representation. Policy recommendations include the development of gender-sensitive electoral laws and strengthening of gender quotas for political parties to ensure fairer representation of women in leadership positions.