African Dynamics in a Multipolar World

Fifty years after the foundation of the OAU and the consolidation of most African states and institutions, the international panorama and Africa’s position in it have changed considerably. The world's geopolitical and economic configuration has evolved, with new actors appearing in a new period of globalization. In tone with ECAS 2013, this volume proposes that the experiences appearing in Africa question dominant paradigms in terms of political practice and academic reflection and thus offer a clear challenge to the academic community. The volume offers clues to answer questions such as: What is the impact of the current processes of globalization for African countries and African citizens? How should African Studies be engaged to gauge African dynamics, both at a local and global level? What interdisciplinary means and tools should be brought in to produce an epistemologically relevant view (or narrative) of the issues under analysis?

Ulf Engel, Dr. phil. and habil. (1962), is Professor for African Politics at the University of Leipzig, Germany. He is also regularly working at the universities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Stellenbosch, South Africa, respectively. He publishes on peace and security in Africa, and new spatialities of power.

Manuel João Ramos, PhD. and habil. (1960), is Associate Professor in Anthropology at ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon and Senior Researcher of the Centre of African Studies of the same Institute. He publishes on Ethiopian Studies, Heritage Studies, and on risk and conflict.