the geopolitics of africa in the 21st century
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We don’t often think of Africa, or any of the countries in the continent, as having much geopolitical significance. This is increasingly wrong. Africa is emerging as possibly the major site of geopolitical competition in the 21st century. Its population is projected, by 2100, to be 4.2 billion, only slightly behind Asia’s, and almost 40% of the global total. Africa's people are young, a huge demographic advantage. Africa will be the fastest growing market and is also the world’s largest source of untapped resources. While Africa is behind other continents in development now, it is likely to develop rapidly in coming decades, as its people become better educated and healthier. All this makes Africa a target for influence by the major powers, obviously China and the U.S., but also Russia, Turkey, the EU, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.
In addition to being the site of competition amongst others, the continent’s increasing economic clout will give it agency. The continent will likely integrate more and act in a more unified way, making it a player on the global stage. That may be hard to imagine now, but is almost certain to happen.
We’ll look at the continent’s geographic relevance, its economics, its regional politics and at a few of the powerhouse countries that are likely to emerge. We’ll also consider the impact of Covid-19 on the continent, and the whole issue of out-migration, including its significance to Africa and destination countries.
Dates: Friday February 5 to March 5 (5 weeks), 2-4PM
Location: Online
Moderator: John Simke
Cost: $30
In addition to being the site of competition amongst others, the continent’s increasing economic clout will give it agency. The continent will likely integrate more and act in a more unified way, making it a player on the global stage. That may be hard to imagine now, but is almost certain to happen.
We’ll look at the continent’s geographic relevance, its economics, its regional politics and at a few of the powerhouse countries that are likely to emerge. We’ll also consider the impact of Covid-19 on the continent, and the whole issue of out-migration, including its significance to Africa and destination countries.
Dates: Friday February 5 to March 5 (5 weeks), 2-4PM
Location: Online
Moderator: John Simke
Cost: $30