1st Edition
Africa and the Expansion of International Society Surrendering the Savannah
1. Introduction, 2. Studying the expansion of international society, 3. Towards a deeper empirical and theoretical understanding, 4. The West-Central African system, 1300-1434, 5. Constructing the trans-Atlantic slave trade, 1434-1820, 6. The obligation to civilize, 1775-1875, 7. Competition and colonization, 1859-1900, 8. Conclusion
Biography
John Anthony Pella, Jr. is a Research Fellow at the Department of Diplomacy in the School for International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University, China.
This book not only throws light on important developments in world history, but it also makes a significant contribution to the theoretical understanding of international relations. As such, it represents an important contribution to the IR literature. In contrast to the euro-centric approach of the classical English School, John Anthony Pella, Jr. provides a fascinating account of the evolution of international society in West-Central Africa. A 'must' read for all those interested in English School theory and particularly those focusing on the evolution of international society, as well as the study of the society of states at the regional level. Yannis A. Stivachtis, Department of Poltical Science, Virginia Tech. Chair, English School Section, ISA.
Africa is all too often treated merely as a victim -- of European colonialism, or of its own conflicts, epidemics, famines and corruption. What John Pella shows in this book is that African societies are agents -- agents who created their own international system and who actively have continued to interact with the rest of the world. This is to take Africa seriously. This is also far more sophisticated scholarship. Erik Ringmar, professor of political science, Lund University, Sweden.
