THE CHANGING GEO-POLITICAL LANDSCAPE OF AFRICA: AN ARENA OF MAJOR POWER COMPETITION

Abstract

This study examines the rising major power competition in Africa through the lens of a few select countries as reference points. For theoretical analysis, this study applies the realist perspective, emphasizing power politics as a key analytical concept” exploring the connections between major power competition and the changing geopolitical landscape in Africa. The analysis underscores the fact that while competitors may have changed over the centuries, the nature and behaviour of these competitors remain constant, especially when dissected through the prism of power politics. In contrast to the 18th and 19th centuries, which was primarily restricted to European powers, combined with the rising diplomatic, political and economic influence of China, the diversification of African foreign policies that transcend Euro-American direction, the call for a multipolar world by African states, and longing to be considered as equal players in global affairs, the current wave of major power competition is heterogeneous yet humongous, featuring countries that were either previously considered as developing nations or whose status of global power was considered diminished. The study concludes that the new scramble for Africa carries some semblance of the Cold War, geared at exploiting Africa. Nevertheless, Africans should not allow the repetition of the old scramble, where they were cast at the bottom of the ladder; instead, they should aim to be the winners themselves.  

Bibliography Entry

Bello, Colonel Y, Group Captain D Beube, Colonel E K Mundul and Commander Staff Amjed. 2025. "The Changing Geo-Political Landscape of Africa: An Arena of Major Power Competition." Strategic Thought (7): 81-106.