Britain and Africa in the Twenty-First Century: Between Ambition and Pragmatism - Paperback

by Danielle Beswick (Editor), Jonathan Fisher (Editor), Stephen R. Hurt (Editor)

Britain and Africa in the twenty-first century offers the first book-length study of how Britain's relationship with Africa has fared since the fall of the 1997-2010 New Labour government.

Back Jacket

'An excellent and richly complex picture of the way in which Britain has shaped its ideas of and engagement with Africa. Its great strength emerges when it is exploring tensions and dilemmas. Extremely engaging and accessible.'
Julia Gallagher, Professor of African Politics, SOAS, University of London and author of Britain and Africa under Blair: in pursuit of the good state

'This important and detailed book provides a thorough and nuanced picture of the UK's relations with Africa through successive British governments.'
Mary Harper, Africa Editor, BBC

'This timely and insightful collection shows how far we have come in shaking off the image of empire, and how far we may still have to go in building robust and mutually beneficial relations. Indispensable reading.'
David M. Anderson, Professor of African History, University of Warwick

Britain and Africa in the twenty-first century is the first book-length analysis of the state of UK-Africa policy today.

It explores how Britain's relationship with Africa has evolved since the days of Blair, Brown and 'Make Poverty History' campaign. The book further examines how a changing UK political environment, and international context, has impacted upon this longstanding - and deeply complex - relationship. The Afro-optimism of the Blair years no longer provides the guiding framework for UK engagement with Africa but has not been replaced by an alternative paradigm, leaving significant space for different forms of relationship to emerge.

Twelve chapters from UK and Africa-based scholars and practitioners analyse UK approaches to diplomacy, security, peacekeeping, trade and international development in, or with, Africa in the context of the changing perspectives, policies and actions of political parties, advocacy groups and the UK population itself.

Featuring a foreword from Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Africa, this is an indispensable reference point for researchers and practitioners.

Author Biography

Danielle Beswick is Senior Lecturer in the International Development Department at the University of Birmingham

Jonathan Fisher is Head of the International Development Department and Reader in African Politics at the University of Birmingham and Research Fellow at the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies, University of the Free State

Stephen R. Hurt is Reader in International Relations at Oxford Brookes University