World System and Africa

Thirty years ago I published a collection of my essays on Africa's role in the world economy. Its title was Africa and the Modern World. Much has happened since then, both in Africa and throughout the world system. It seems time to put together another set of essays.

In this review, I will discuss three issues: The first is what I call the structural crisis of the modern world system. I believe that we are in the process of singular transformation from the capitalist system that has shaped the modern world for almost five centuries to the system or systems that will succeed it. This structural crisis will continue for another 30-40 years. There are two possible outcomes; One is better than the system we live in now, the other is worse. It is impossible to predict the outcome; but we can analyze the struggle and try to influence it. I wrote four essays, including one with William G. Martin, in which I attempted to analyze the impact of this worldwide structural crisis on Africa.

I then turn to identity politics, a political stance that has been prominent over the past three decades. Identity politics, which is not unique to Africa, is at the center of political struggles everywhere in the world system. I wrote four essays in which I evaluated the African-specific dilemmas of this approach in the context of the world system.

In the last six essays, I have pondered African thinkers' analyzes of contemporary issues both in the world system and in Africa.