The current transformations in Africa - Paul Martial

Outline of the lecture

1. Economic point of view

1.1.

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A short economic history

1.1.1. Slavery destroys economic development in Africa
- demographic drain
- prevents agricultural activities
- allows on the contrary the economic growth of Europe
(triangular trade, expansion of costal cities, expansion of naval activities, expansion of trade)

1.1.2. Colonialism contributes to the economic formatting of the Continent
The economic activities in Africa are only in function of the needs of the imperialist countries.
Export oriented agriculture.

1.2. The place of Africa in globalisation: a paradox

1.2.1. A small part of the world economy

1.2.2. Export products are decisive (oil, mineral ores)

1.2.3. Attacks by imperialism
The debt
Economic partnership agreements
Land grabbing

1.3. Which alternative economic solutions

1.3.1. The importance of this question (proves that other roads are possible)

1.3.2. Self centred development answering to the needs of the people

1.3.3. Development of family farming

2. The political genesis of the Continent

2.1. Before independence

2.1.1. Differentiation of communities confronted with slavery

2.1.2. Slavery generates racism

2.1.3. Resistances to colonialism

2.2. Independence of the African countries

2.2.1. Importance of the first world war

2.2.2. The growth of national struggles

2.2.3. Second world war

2.2.4. The decolonisation process
France
Great Britain
Portugal
Belgium

2.3. The game of the different powers in Africa

2.3.1. France and the concept of “Françafrique”

2.3.2. The United States of America

2.3.3. The arrival of the emerging countries

3. Overview of the social and political situation

3.1. Farmers struggles

3.1.1. Against land grabbing

3.1.2. For food sovereignty

3.2. Urban struggles

3.2.1. On trade-unions

3.2.2. Fights against austerity

3.2.3. Food crisis

3.3. The situation of the forces of the left

3.3.1. The policies of the liberation fronts in power

3.3.2. The weakness of the African left

3.3.3. The prospective of building alternative forces