NAME: KEGEGE PETER NYABUTI

ADMIN. NO: BCSM/2019/42047

CAT: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATION RELATIONS

1. Citing any four reasons, briefly explain why most African Nations can hardly
claim economic independence after more than 50yrs of freedom from colonialism
yet the continent remains rich in natural resources. [10mks].

Corruption

Most African countries have been marred by a very high percentage of corrupt leaders.
These individuals use the power they possess to amass riches for themselves through
corrupt activities. The incidences of nepotism are also high, affecting the distribution of
profits from natural resources in the countries. Southern Sudan, a country with rich
natural resources of oil and gas; economy has been greatly affected by corruption and
embezzlement.

Internal Conflicts and Wars

The internal stabilities is most African countries that have these natural resources is very
unstable and volatile. Cases of countries like The Democratic Republic of Congo have
taken worldwide coverage. When there are wars in a country, then people can’t settle
down properly and commence economic activities of taking advantage of the natural
resources.

International Debts

International loans and grants have also affected the economic independence of many
African countries. When these monies are given, they come with attached policies on how
they are to be repaid. Some involve taking over the natural resources or vital installation
and running them until the loans have been repaid. An example is Chinese activities in
Zambia.

Sickness and Diseases

The high number of diseases in Africa has also affected the manpower needed to fully
reap from the rich natural resources. HIV/AIDS, Malaria and now Cancer have greatly
affected Africa and the little profits gotten from the little activities is swallowed back by
healthcare.

2. With reference to any five points, briefly discuss the significance of the Peace of
Westphalia to Africa. [10mks].

Equality of States

African countries are disadvantaged when it comes to real power and army muscle. This
means a more powerful state can decide to invade and overran an African state with ease.
The peace of Westphalia prevented this by guarantees all states same status. Meaning
whether small or big, no state could invade another, and if so it means they will have
breached the treaty and consequences could follow.

Sovereignty

The peace of Westphalia guaranteed sovereignty of states. This means no states can
interfere with the internal affairs of another state. Its significance to Africa is that, with
the rich natural resources and political volatility, no state can take advantage and
influence or expand their foreign policies or national interests to such states.

Diplomacy to Influence

While war and conflicts have been a major impact on the growth of Africa, these issues
have been on the declined since the peace of Westphalia as diplomacy takes centerstage.
Most African countries have opted to resolve their conflict through internal justice
systems like the International Court of Justice to resolve their territorial conflicts.

One centralized power system

The peace of Westphalia moved power from religion to states. This ensured that the
government of the day was to oversee the running of it’s state, instead of religion which
was polarized. This is what is adopted in most African countries, and religion no longer
controls the state’s affairs.
Colonization

The peace of Westphalia was effective in Europe only, but as states sought to expand
their power, Africa was exposed. It wasn’t part of the treaty hence nations moved its and
scrambled over it’s resources. After colonization, most treaties referred back to the peace
of Westphalia for guidance on how to write the articles of agreement.

3. Describe the significance of John Locke’s Political Philosophy to governance

within African Nation States. [10mks].

Individual Rights and Bill of Rights

John Locke believed that a government exists because of the people, and without the
people it would be obsolete. This is why he stated that governance is an agreement
between the people and the government, in that the people give up some of their natural
rights to the government, in exchange for protection from it when they are under attack.
This has been the basis of most African government when creating a balance between
governance and the bill of right.

Democracy

The duty and responsibilities of the citizenry is to ensure people who represent and
safeguard their interests are in power. According to John Locke, if the government goes
against the “treaty” then the citizens should use all means possible to ensure the
government honors the agreement. In some countries like Egypt and Libya saw such an
imbalance, the citizenry took it upon themselves to restore their natural rights by
dislodging dictators from power.

Balance of Power

John Locke was of the idea that power should not be vested on one individual or
institution as this might lead to misuse of it. He claimed that, power should be spread
around with checks and balances in place to ensure one organization does not overstep
it’s mandate. In African governance is evidenced by the presence of different arms of
government like judiciary, The Executive and The Legislature. This way, if one fails,
another might act as it’s watch dog.
Separation of Church and Governance

In John Locke’s time religion especially, the church had a massive following and
influence on the masses. While there were primitive governments, the church was seen as
a government in itself by John Locke. He was of the idea that Church and Politics should
be separated for proper governments to function. This was also important so that the
government doesn’t influence the church. In Africa these days, there is complete division
of the church from the government. Most governments work separately from the church.
His idea ensured that the church didn’t transform into a political movement.

Judicial System

Locke claimed that while human being are excellent species, they have a selfishness
which must be tamed for society to function properly. This is evidenced by creation of a
judicial system in every African government to either punish or rectify behavior.
Judiciary is a key arm in governance as it ensures the people respect laws, otherwise face
consequences.