Afro-pessimism, African States Depiction and International Relations: Rethinking International Relations for Global Studies

Abstract

This work examines the traditional view of African States as Afro-pessimism within the purview of International Relations Theory which describes African states as a weak and dark continent whose capacity lies not in generating focus. The study is anchored on the Westphalian narrative and Internation al Relations (IR) Theory which ascribe the nucleus of international system to itself, giving African states images like a continent without history, while promoting South-West dichotomy with total neglect on the impacts of historical formation of African states. These phenomena led to the production of distinct (hybrid) states. The study argues that Westphalian narrative and IR theories failed to give a good account of the phenomenon that led to the weakness, failure and fragility of the contemporary African states and their challenges. It concludes that IR Theory fails to give reference to the impacts and experiences of colonialism, the global explosion and its effects in contemporary African states. The work suggests global studies as a replacement for international relations to promote global development and better understanding of African states, present problems and the challenges.

Keywords: African states, Afro-pessimism, International Relations Theory, Westphalian narrative, global studies