In this course, we will investigate the historic and contemporary roles, attitudes, and policies of three predominant power groups: the U.S., France/European Union, and China (where relevant) toward the African continent in the context of colonization and post-colonization, international relations, economic initiatives, and the play for global dominance. In equal measure, we will examine the historic and contemporary responses and political movements of African Union nations as they establish their sovereignty and claim their rightful place as an emerging global power.

FRLA 8413 provides theoretical tools for research and analysis. We will scrutinize how policy decisions of the identified power groups have simultaneously shaped and responded to the five topics outlined in the

Class (Post-colonialism, Africa and Capitalism, Pan-Africanism and the Global South, Political activism, Migration). Our observations will aim to uncover alliances and common objectives as well as discord disjunction between the French/E.U., American, Chinese, and African Union nations.