top of page
PUBLICATIONS
Regionalism as Policy Autonomy in Post-Colonial Contexts: Insights From Africa
Handbook of Regional Cooperation and Integration
Chapter 18
Page Range: 398 – 416
This chapter examines post-colonial Africa's pursuit of policy autonomy through regionalisms that aim to foster the continent's renaissance and emancipation, particularly post-COVID-19. Utilizing case studies, it presents a nuanced view where the African Centre for Disease Control has effectively managed the pandemic and enhanced disease surveillance. However, the African Peer Review Mechanism, intended as a rejection of Western democratic norms, has not always fostered effective governance, as ongoing conflicts and political instability undermine state functions and allow external interference. Meanwhile, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), despite its challenges with national interests and Western economic ties, represents a significant step toward intra-continental trade and autonomy. This analysis underscores that policy autonomy is achieved through both individual and collective efforts across Africa.
The Rise of Regions: Conflict and Cooperation
Journal of Regional Analysis & Policy
Book Review
What happens when America's hegemony is over? The rise of regions argues that the United States and western Europe are already in relative decline, facing an emerging great power (China) and a dissatisfied revisionist challenger (Russia). In the book, the contributors rely on A. F. K. Organski's power transition theory—the only power distribution theory to survive the Cold War that is able to account for peace and war over the last three centuries (p. 2). But the book also goes beyond the power transition theory to encapsulate major perspectives, including the Mutually Assured Destruction doctrine, the Thucydides trap and the regional security complex theory. With a set of case-studies, the contributors demonstrate how regions have become the major points of power transition, as global structures dissipate and great powers transform. Thus, the book reflects on whether power transition theory can survive the ‘second’ Cold War and the rise of regions
Africa's Vote on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Why the Fragmentation?
The GLOCEPS
19th - 20th April, 2022
Africa's voting behavior on the US-led resolution to remove Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on April 7, 2022, amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlights continental divisions. Despite the African Union's aspiration for collective global action, 11 states did not vote, 24 abstained, 10 supported the resolution, and nine backed Russia. This pattern underscores a weakening European influence, a resurgent non-aligned movement, and growing Sino-Russo sway in UN voting dynamics. The diverse voting outcomes reflect individual state interests, historical Cold War ties, and a reaction against Western sanctions and influence. These decisions emphasize strategic realism, as African states navigate their allegiances among Russia, the West, and China, balancing their geopolitical and economic interests while challenging traditional Western dominance in global financial and political arenas.
Political Fragility in the Horn of Africa: Kenya's Strategic Response Options
The GLOCEPS, Influential Bulletins
January 2021 – December 2022
The fourth issue centers on enhancing Kenya's resilience amidst Eastern Africa's evolving socio-economic, political, and security dynamics, with research-driven papers designed to spark academic and policy discussions. The third issue focuses on protecting Kenya's strategic interests, featuring papers on countering financial crimes, managing Al-Shabaab's transnational movements, and navigating the Kenya-United States Free Trade Area Agreement negotiations. The second issue discusses amplifying domestic and regional dialogues around Kenya's national interests, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, rising energy costs, and Ethiopia's regional influence in the Horn of Africa. The inaugural issue explores the Kenya-Somalia maritime boundary dispute, focusing on the blue economy and maritime governance, providing analysis and recommendations for stakeholders.
Geostrategic Options to Strengthen Kenya's Foreign Policy in the Decarbonisation Era
The GLOCEPS
Research and Analysis in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Pillar
Kenya's indecision on the climate-induced energy transition affects its foreign relations and diplomatic strategy, as its intent to commercialize untapped hydrocarbon resources conflicts with international low-carbon commitments. This situation, influenced by geopolitical tensions, sees China promoting carbon-heavy Belt and Road Initiative projects while Western powers advocate for decarbonization. The ongoing uncertainty in Kenya's energy policy could jeopardize strategic relations with global actors pushing for low-carbon economies. The paper emphasizes the need to reorient Kenya's diplomatic strategy to manage these uncertainties and capitalize on emerging green energy opportunities, citing the pivotal role of the 2016 Climate Change Act and the National Climate Change Action Plan in securing Kenya's geopolitical relevance, national security, and Vision 2030.
Ethiopia’s Hydro-Imperialism Provoking Instability and Realignments in The Horn of Africa
The GLOCEPS
Bulleting
Ethiopia's use of hydro-politics to bolster its regional influence in the Horn of Africa is provoking instability and strategic realignments. Through ambitious dam projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ethiopia seeks to leverage its 'water tower of Africa' status to become a regional powerhouse. This strategy affects downstream neighbors like Egypt, Sudan, and Kenya by altering water flow to their territories, crucial for agriculture and daily living. Ethiopia's unilateral actions in water resource management have led to increased tensions, potentially destabilizing the region further. The situation necessitates the development of cooperative frameworks for managing shared water resources to prevent conflicts and promote stability in the Horn of Africa.
Strategies for Kenya's Leverage on the Kenya-United States of America Free Trade Agreement (KUSFTA) Negotiations
The GLOCEPS
Research and Analysis in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Pillar
In the ongoing Kenya-United States Free Trade Area Agreement (KUSFTA) negotiations, Kenya's strategic positioning is influenced by both internal and external socio-political dynamics, including its negotiation team's structure, political developments in both countries, and global trade tensions like the US-China trade war. These factors either strengthen Kenya's negotiating position or highlight her vulnerabilities. Successful navigation through these dynamics is crucial for Kenya to leverage her position against the US. The negotiation strategy includes depoliticizing the process, setting clear, evidence-based goals, involving stakeholders broadly, and enhancing the business environment to better align with international trade requirements.
Internal Dynamics Affecting Kenya’s Diplomatic Leverage in the Kenya–Somalia Maritime Boundary Dispute
The GLOCEPS, Influential Bulletins
The internal dynamics affecting Kenya's diplomatic leverage in the Kenya-Somalia maritime boundary dispute are significantly influenced by contradictions within government institutions. These contradictions stem from preoccupation with internal political issues such as past elections and initiatives like the Building Bridges Initiative. Divided loyalties, corruption, and the impact of post-election government configurations have further complicated Kenya’s diplomatic efforts. Additionally, Kenyan-Somali irredentism, cross-border tensions, and the Al-Shabaab threat have deepened these paradoxes, undermining Kenya’s capacity to effectively manage and resolve the dispute. This summary highlights the challenges and suggests a need for strategic diplomatic recourse and internal reorganization to enhance Kenya's position in future negotiations.
View Gallery
bottom of page