Normativity in African Regional Relations - Hardcover

by Frank Aragbonfoh Abumere (Author)

In cases that involve domination of, and discrimination against, minorities, the most common solution is the promotion of minority rights. However, this book contends that in the context of migrant minorities in Africa, appealing to minority rights is not a workable solution due to the historical abuses and discrimination of minorities both within and across African states. Through insightful philosophical analysis, Abumere argues for a new normative international relations among African states, which includes the adoption of minority rights, but does not rely on them. He analyses the possible consequences of the newly ratified African Continental Free Trade Agreement, looking at how it may encourage a more integrated Africa, but also may increase the chances of domination and discrimination against minorities. Abumere explains that in order to have normative international relations that transcends realist-rationalist fundamentalism, African states must be amenable to a fusion of horizons.

Author Biography

Frank Aragbonfoh Abumere is the Cmelikova visiting international scholar at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, University of Richmond. He was formerly a visiting professor at the Centre for Studies in Ethics and Politics, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Milan), a senior member of St Antony's College, University of Oxford, and an academic visitor at the African Studies Centre, Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, University of Oxford. He was also a visiting research fellow at the Department of International History, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the leader of the 'Developing World' research unit at the Department of Philosophy, the Arctic University of Norway.