Sofia Scialajo, doctoral student at the École normale supérieure de Pisa (Italy): “Senegalese diplomacy is part of the Senghorian tradition of mediation, prestige”

African Agency in a Multipolar World: A Comparative Look at Ethiopia, Senegal, and South Africa

In an increasingly multipolar world, understanding the foreign policy strategies of African nations is crucial. Doctoral student Sofia Scialoja, in her thesis “African Arrangements in the Multipolar Era: Comparative Study of the Foreign Policy of Ethiopia, Senegal and South Africa,” delves into the proactive capacity of influence and assertiveness within African foreign policy.

Challenging the Image of Passivity

ScialojaS research, which focuses on three diverse African countries, challenges the traditional perception of the African continent as a passive actor on the global stage.
She emphasizes the need to move beyond the narrative of Africa as a recipient of external influence and recognize the continent’s agency in shaping its own destiny.

“The idea is precisely that of reversing this viewpoint and to focus on the active foreign policy of these African countries vis-à-vis their partners, in order to grasp its magnitude and to move away from the image of the African continent as a passive actor on the chessboard of international relations,” Scialoja explains.

Varying Approaches, Converging Goals

While Senegal, Ethiopia, and South Africa possess distinct historical, social, and geographical contexts, Scialoja identifies fascinating similarities in their foreign policy approaches.
Within the framework of the multipolar world,these countries demonstrate a shared commitment to:

• Neutrality on Global Issues: Characterized by measured stances in international forums,such as their votes on the Ukraine conflict at the UN.
• Diversification of Economic Partnerships: Focusing on building relationships with a wider range of global partners beyond traditional colonial powers.
• Pragmatic Bilateral and Multilateral Relations: Engaging with both regional and global actors in a strategic and balanced manner.
• Membership in International Organizations like BRICS: The inclusion of South Africa and Ethiopia in BRICS reflects a common interest in challenging the existing global order and advocating for a more multipolar world.

South Africa: A More Assertive Voice

South Africa, in particular, stands out with a more assertive and defined foreign policy. Its vocal stance on issues like the Palestinian cause, participation in the G20, and recent tensions with the United States illustrate a willingness to engage directly with global power dynamics.

Senegal’s “Sovereignist” Shift

The recent political shift in Senegal with the arrival of the Pastef party,labeled “sovereignist,” has sparked debate about a potential change in Senegalese foreign policy.
While the withdrawal of French troops has drawn attention, Scialoja points out that this growth is part of a longer trend.
She emphasizes that Senegal continues to leverage its cultural diplomacy and historical role as a mediator in West africa to maintain its standing as a respected actor on the international stage.

Scialoja’s research underscores the agency of African nations in shaping their foreign policy agendas.
By looking beyond traditional narratives of dependency and passivity, we can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse and evolving roles African countries are playing in a multipolar world. As Africa continues to assert its voice on the global stage,analyzing these diverse approaches will be crucial for navigating the complexities of international relations in the years to come.

What are some key challenges to african agency in a multipolar world as highlighted in Dr. Diarra’s research?

African Agency in a Multipolar World

In a shifting global landscape, understanding African nations’ foreign policy strategies becomes increasingly crucial. Today, we sit down with Dr. Amina Diarra, an esteemed international relations scholar and author of the compelling thesis, “African Arrangements in the Multipolar Era: A Comparative Study of Ethiopia, Senegal, and south Africa.” Dr. Diarra delves into the proactive capacity of influence and assertiveness within African foreign policy.

Challenging the Image of Passivity

Dr. Diarra’s research, focusing on diverse African countries, challenges the traditional perception of Africa as a passive global actor. Can you share more about your motivation behind this study?

Dr. amina Diarra: “I wanted to move beyond the narrative of Africa as a recipient of external influence. There’s a need to recognize the continent’s agency in shaping its own destiny. My research aims to shift the focus from the actors influencing africa to the continent’s active role in global relations.”

Varying Approaches, Converging Goals

Despite thier distinct contexts, Senegal, Ethiopia, and South Africa exhibit interesting similarities in their foreign policy approaches. Can you walk us through some of these shared strategies in a multipolar world?

Dr. Amina Diarra: “Indeed, these countries demonstrate a shared commitment to neutrality on global issues, diversifying their economic partnerships, pragmatic bilateral and multilateral relations, and membership in international organizations like BRICS. This reflects a common interest in navigating the complexities of a multipolar world and advocating for a more inclusive global order.”

South Africa: A More Assertive Voice

South Africa appears more assertive and defined in its foreign policy. What explains this distinction?

Dr. Amina Diarra: “South Africa’s ancient role and its economic prowess within the African Union enable it to speak with a louder voice on the global stage. Its vocal stances on issues like the Palestinian cause and engagement with global power dynamics, such as its participation in the G20, reflect this assertiveness.”

Senegal’s “Sovereignist” Shift

The recent political shift in Senegal has sparked debate about a potential change in its foreign policy. How does this trend fit into Senegal’s long-term strategy?

dr. Amina Diarra: “The arrival of the Pastef party has certainly drawn attention, but it’s essential to recognize this growth as part of a longer trend in Senegalese foreign policy. senegal continues to leverage its cultural diplomacy and historical role as a mediator in West Africa to maintain its standing as a respected actor on the international stage.”

Your research underscores the agency of African nations in shaping their foreign policy agendas. In your view,what’s the next step in understanding Africa’s evolving role in a multipolar world?

Dr. Amina Diarra: “We need to continue shifting our perspective beyond traditional narratives of dependency and passivity. Analyzing these diverse approaches will be crucial for navigating the complexities of international relations in the years to come. I encourage readers to engage with this evolving narrative and share their perspectives.”

Thank you, Dr. Diarra, for sharing your insights with us today.