International Relations in Africa 2104-L-D5SMAF

This course provides an advanced introduction to the nature, evolution and key issues of contemporary international relations on the African continent. The course focuses on a multifaceted analysis of decolonisation processes, the apartheid system in South Africa, the development of regional integration initiatives, and the dynamics of internal and cross-border armed conflicts (including those in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo). An important element of the course is the assessment of Africa’s position within the global political and economic structure.
The following topics will be covered as part of the course:
1. Africa as a region in international relations – geographical, ethnic-cultural, political and economic determinants.
2. Colonialism in Africa. The colonial policies of the European powers (the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Portugal). The consequences of colonialism for the region.
3. The decolonisation of Africa – factors influencing the process (regional and extra-regional). The shaping of the continent’s post-colonial political map.
4. The search for a formula for pan-continental cooperation. Pan-Africanism as an idea of African unity. The Casablanca, Brazzaville and Monrovia groups. The establishment of the Organisation of African Unity – its objectives, principles, mode of operation, achievements and failures.
5. The establishment of the African Union – the rationale behind the reform of the regional cooperation system, the AU’s objectives and tasks, and its mode of operation. The African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).
6. Apartheid and the ‘white man’s empire’ – origins and consequences; the Republic of South Africa as a regional power; its international standing and role during the apartheid era and today.
7. African conflicts – causes, consequences, methods of resolution. Colonial conflicts – Algeria, Portuguese colonies; territorial conflicts – involving Morocco and Somalia; internal conflicts and the processes of their internationalisation (Somalia, DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi).
8. The problem of maintaining the territorial integrity of African states (the Biafran War, issues of self-determination in Katanga, Eritrea and South Sudan).
9. Economic problems facing African states – causes of economic underdevelopment; international aid; Africa’s place in the global economy; regional integration processes – the African Economic Community, sub-regional integration.
10. The policies of major powers in Africa (the USA, the PRC, France, the UK, Russia, the EU). African states on the international stage.

Term 2025Z:

The following subjects will be discussed:
1. Africa as a region in international relations - the determinants of geographic, ethno-cultural, political, economic.
2. Colonialism in Africa. Colonial policy of European countries (Britain, France, Belgium, Portugal). The consequences of colonialism in the region.
3. Decolonization of Africa - factors influencing the process (regional and long-distance).
4. Finding a formula of pan-continental cooperation. Panafricanism as the idea of the unity of Africa. Groups: Casablanca, Brazzaville, Monrovia. Establishment of the Organization of African Unity - its principle, the functioning, achievements and failures.
5. Establishment of the African Union - the conditions for reform, regional cooperation, objectives and tasks of the AU, the mode of operation.
6. African conflicts - causes, consequences, ways of solving. Colonial conflicts – Algeria, the Portuguese colonies, territorial conflicts – with the participation of Morocco and Somalia, internal conflicts and processes of internationalization (Somalia, DR Congo)
7. The problem of preserving the territorial integrity of African states (the Biafra war, problems of self-determination of Katanga, Eritrea, Southern Sudan).
8. South Africa as a regional power and the role of the international position during apartheid and today.
9. Economic problems of African countries - the causes of economic underdevelopment, international assistance.
10. The processes of regional integration - the African Economic Community, sub-regional integration.
11. Policy of graet powers in Africa. African countries in international relations.

Term 2026Z:

This course provides an advanced introduction to the nature, evolution and key issues of contemporary international relations on the African continent. The course focuses on a multifaceted analysis of decolonisation processes, the apartheid system in South Africa, the development of regional integration initiatives, and the dynamics of internal and cross-border armed conflicts (including those in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo). An important element of the course is the assessment of Africa’s position within the global political and economic structure.
The following topics will be covered as part of the course:
1. Africa as a region in international relations – geographical, ethnic-cultural, political and economic determinants.
2. Colonialism in Africa. The colonial policies of the European powers (the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Portugal). The consequences of colonialism for the region.
3. The decolonisation of Africa – factors influencing the process (regional and extra-regional). The shaping of the continent’s post-colonial political map.
4. The search for a formula for pan-continental cooperation. Pan-Africanism as an idea of African unity. The Casablanca, Brazzaville and Monrovia groups. The establishment of the Organisation of African Unity – its objectives, principles, mode of operation, achievements and failures.
5. The establishment of the African Union – the rationale behind the reform of the regional cooperation system, the AU’s objectives and tasks, and its mode of operation. The African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).
6. Apartheid and the ‘white man’s empire’ – origins and consequences; the Republic of South Africa as a regional power; its international standing and role during the apartheid era and today.
7. African conflicts – causes, consequences, methods of resolution. Colonial conflicts – Algeria, the Portuguese colonies; territorial conflicts – involving Morocco and Somalia; internal conflicts and the processes of their internationalisation (Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi).
8. The problem of maintaining the territorial integrity of African states (the Biafran War, issues of self-determination in Katanga, Eritrea and South Sudan).
9. Economic problems facing African states – causes of economic underdevelopment; international aid; Africa’s place in the global economy; regional integration processes – the African Economic Community, sub-regional integration.
10. The policies of major powers in Africa (the USA, the PRC, France, the UK, Russia, the EU). African states on the international stage.

Course coordinators

Term 2026Z:

Wiesław Lizak
Michał Nadziak
Anna Wróbel

Term 2025Z:

Wiesław Lizak

Type of course

elective courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Students undertaking this module should have a well-structured general knowledge of world political and economic geography, as well as a basic understanding of 20th-century world history. They are required to be able to read academic texts critically, analyse press articles and international reports, and formulate coherent research conclusions independently.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student achieves the following course-specific learning outcomes, which relate to the degree programme’s learning outcomes:
Knowledge (K)
K_W03: Describes, at an advanced level, the roles of state and non-state regional actors on the African continent, including minority regimes and rebel organisations.
K_W05: Explains the legal, socio-economic and historical determinants of political and ethnic conflicts and regional integration in Africa.
K_W06: Defines and explains the specific characteristics of the African region and identifies key contemporary megatrend threats (demographic, resource-related, climatic).

Skills (S)
K_U01: Correctly interprets political, military and cultural phenomena at the sub-regional level in Africa, applying appropriate academic theories.
K_U02: Formulates coherent, substantive research conclusions and presents arguments in academic discussions on African processes, using specialist terminology.
K_U04: Plans and prepares an independent piece of research work (term essay) on a selected international crisis in Africa.
K_U05: Independently selects sources and plans their own learning objectives based on an analysis of the relevant literature.

Social competences
K_K01: Is prepared to critically assess their own knowledge and to deconstruct Eurocentric stereotypes concerning political and social processes in Africa.
K_K02: Demonstrates a willingness to recognise the importance of expert knowledge in resolving complex cognitive problems in the field of African studies

Assessment criteria

Formal requirements:
Attendance requirement: Students are formally required to attend seminars. A maximum of 2 unexcused absences is permitted per semester. Procedure for making up absences: Any absence in excess of the specified limit must be made up (by attending a tutorial).

Term essay / Written assignment. Description: Preparation of an individual research essay (approx. 8–10 A4 pages) on a topic agreed with the lecturer. The essay must demonstrate the ability to conduct independent library research and draw correct conclusions.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Assessment of learning outcomes is conducted at Level 3 (AI-assisted editing) according to the WNPiSM scale. AI tools may only be used for linguistic and editorial correction of the prepared essay text. The generation of content by AI is prohibited. The essay must be accompanied by a written declaration confirming that the work has been prepared independently and specifying the extent to which AI tools have been used.

Practical placement

Not applicable.

Bibliography

1. W. Dobrzycki, Historia stosunków międzynarodowych w czasach nowożytnych. 1815-1945, Warszawa 2003
2. E. J. Jaremczuk, Konflikt kongijski, Toruń 2006
3. B. Kaczyński, Organizacja Jedności Afrykańskiej. Charakter i działalność, Warszawa 1976
4. J. Kukułka, Historia współczesna stosunków międzynarodowych. 1945-2000, Warszawa 2000
5. M. M. Kenig-Witkowska, Unia Afrykańska ze stanowiska prawa międzynarodowego, „Państwo i Prawo” 2003, nr 9, s. 41-57
6. J. Krasuski, Wspólnota Francuska w Afryce. Communaute, Poznań 1983
7. W. Lizak, Afrykańskie instytucje bezpieczeństwa, Warszawa 2012
8. W. Lizak, Unia Afrykańska, w: E. Haliżak, R. Kuźniar (red.), Prawo, instytucje i polityka w procesie globalizacji, Warszawa 2003, s. 327-343
9. T. Łętocha, Granice i spory terytorialne w Afryce, Warszawa 1973
10. D. Madeyska, Historia współczesna świata arabskiego, Warszawa 2008
11. M. Malinowski, Cień Marsa nad Czarnym Lądem, Warszawa 1986,
12. M. Malinowski, Ideologie afrykańskie, Wrocław 1986, s. 26-52
13. M. Malinowski, Konflikt w Rogu Afryki, „SM” 1978, nr 2
14. J. Mantel-Niećko, M. Ząbek (red.), Róg Afryki. Historia i współczesność, Warszawa 1999
15. J. J. Milewski, W. Lizak (red.), Stosunki międzynarodowe w Afryce, Warszawa 2002,
16. S. Parzymies, Spór wokół Sahary Zachodniej, „Sprawy Międzynarodowe 1976, nr 3
17. M. W. Solarz, Republika Południowej Afryki. Trwałość czy zmierzch potęgi w regionie, Warszawa 1999
18. K. Trzciński, Wojny w Liberii i Sierra Leone, Warszawa 2002
19. L. Zapałowski, Operacje pokojowe ONZ, Kraków 1989
20. J. Żebrowski, Maroko – współczesność a historia, Warszawa 2001
21. W. Lizak, J. J. Milewski, Afryka – od marginalizacji do rozwoju, „Rocznik Strategiczny” 2004/2005, s. 338-363
22. J. J. Milewski, Afryka – wielkie obietnice i zmagania o przetrwanie i rozwój, „Rocznik Strategiczny” 2005-2006, s. 305-337
23. S. Piłaszewicz, Wstęp do afrykanistyki, Warszawa 1994
24. D. Fayolin, Afryka to nie państwo. Pora przełamać stereotypy, Kraków 2024
25. Z. Badawi, Afrykańska historia Afryki. Od narodzin człowieka do niepodległych państw, Kraków 2025
26. M. Meredith, Historia wspólczesnej Afryki. Pół wieku niepodległości, Warszawa 2011
27. B. Davidson, Społeczna i polityczna historia Afryki w XX wieku, Warszawa 2011
28. B. Sidi Diallo, Afrykański regionalny system bezpieczeństwa zbiorowego w świetle prawa międzynarodowego, Poznań 2018

Term 2025Z:

1. W. Dobrzycki, Historia stosunków międzynarodowych w czasach nowożytnych. 1815-1945, Warszawa 2003
2. B. Kaczyński, Organizacja Jedności Afrykańskiej. Charakter i działalność, Warszawa 1976
3. J. Kukułka, Historia współczesna stosunków międzynarodowych. 1945-2000, Warszawa 2000
4. E. J. Jaremczuk, Konflikt kongijski, Toruń 2006
5. M. M. Kenig, Organizacja Jedności Afrykańskiej. Wybrane problemy prawno-polityczne, Warszawa 1976
6. M. M. Kenig-Witkowska, Unia Afrykańska ze stanowiska prawa międzynarodowego, „Państwo i Prawo” 2003, nr 9, s. 41-57
7. J. Krasuski, Wspólnota Francuska w Afryce. Communaute, Poznań 1983
8. W. Lizak, Afrykańskie instytucje bezpieczeństwa, Warszawa 2012
9. W. Lizak, Unia Afrykańska, w: E. Haliżak, R. Kuźniar (red.), Prawo, instytucje i polityka w procesie globalizacji, Warszawa 2003, s. 327-343
10. T. Łętocha, Granice i spory terytorialne w Afryce, Warszawa 1973
11. T. Łętocha, Wybrane współczesne problemy polityczne Afryki, Warszawa 1973
12. D. Madeyska, Historia współczesna świata arabskiego, Warszawa 2008
13. M. Malinowski, Cień Marsa nad Czarnym Lądem, Warszawa 1986,
14. M. Malinowski, Ekspansja RPA na Czarnym Lądzie, „SM” 1982, nr 10
15. M. Malinowski, Ideologie afrykańskie, Wrocław 1986, s. 26-52
16. M. Malinowski, Konflikt w Rogu Afryki, „SM” 1978, nr 2
17. M. Malinowski, Międzynarodowe następstwa przemian w RPA, „Sprawy Międzynarodowe” 1991, nr 9
18. M. Malinowski, Niepodległość Namibii, „SM” 1990, nr 10
19. J. Mantel-Niećko, M. Ząbek (red.), Róg Afryki. Historia i współczesność, Warszawa 1999
20. J. J. Milewski, Polityka zagraniczna Nigerii, Warszawa 1972
21. J. J. Milewski, W. Lizak (red.), Stosunki międzynarodowe w Afryce, Warszawa 2002,
22. S. Parzymies, Spór wokół Sahary Zachodniej, „Sprawy Międzynarodowe 1976, nr 3
23. M. W. Solarz, Republika Południowej Afryki. Trwałość czy zmierzch potęgi w regionie, Warszawa 1999
24. L. Sosnowski, Organizacja Jedności Afrykańskiej. 1963-1977. Studium prawno-międzynarodowe, Kraków 1977
25. K. Trzciński, Wojny w Liberii i Sierra Leone, Warszawa 2002
26. J. Weraksa, Problem Erytrei, „SM” 1975, nr 9
27. L. Zapałowski, Operacje pokojowe ONZ, Kraków 1989
28. J. Żebrowski, Maroko – współczesność a historia, Warszawa 2001
29. W. Lizak, J. J. Milewski, Afryka – od marginalizacji do rozwoju, „Rocznik Strategiczny” 2004/2005, s. 338-363
30. A. Maryański, Narodowości świata, Warszawa 1994
31. J. J. Milewski, Afryka – wielkie obietnice i zmagania o przetrwanie i rozwój, „Rocznik Strategiczny” 2005-2006, s. 305-337
32. J. J. Milewski, P. Dutkiewicz, B. Stefański (red.), Niepodległa Afryka – trzy dekady rozwoju, Warszawa 1987
33. A. Mrozek, Idee i ekspansja czarnego islamu, „Studia Filozoficzne” 1969, nr 2 (57), s. 69-90
34. A. Mrozek-Dumanowska (red.), Religie w procesie przemian w Afryce, Wrocław 1977
35. S. Piłaszewicz, Religie Afryki, Warszawa 2000
36. S. Piłaszewicz, Wstęp do afrykanistyki, Warszawa 1994
37. E. Rekłajtis (red.), Państwo, gospodarka, zmiana w Afryce, Warszawa 1995

Term 2026Z: