New triangle of development: Africa-Asia-The Persian Gulf. South-South dynamics and their effects on the transformation of the international system

Pcs, 28 May 2010Istvn Tarrsy, Ph.D.Department of Political StudiesUniversity of Pcs

Our ever so globalising worldInterwoven with all sorts of interconnected and interdependent relations of all sorts of actors.Formerly inter-state international relations (state-centric) replaced by transnational interactions of different players.Attention is shifting to transnational and transgovernmental societies boundary-crossing networks amongst individuals and NGOs.

A world society with sub-national and supranational levels of interactions. (Burton, 1972)

New state-powers on the riseIn todays global system there is no real superpower.We are witnesses of rising powers from the Far East to Latin America.The importance of regional groupings, blocs, trade and other types of agreements, processes different dynamicsShift within the NorthSouth dialogue SouthSouth co-operation and increasingly SouthEastNew types of powers and powerholdersIR are not limited at all to governments state-level entities!

The rise of China and India on African soilNot at all a new phenomenonHistoric ties between China, India and AfricaCoupled with constant migration from Asia to AfricaTrade but not just trade!Africas exports to China increased at an annual rate of 48% between 2000 and 2005, two and half times as fast as the rate of the regions exports to the US and four times as fast as the rate to the EU over the same period (Broadman 2008: 95).

The Chinese WayChina never really left Africa (Taylor 2006)Long-term, strategic thinkingBilateral agreementsState-encouraged and supported venturesFOCAC since 20001970s: support connected to ideology1980s: new approach mutual gains, equalityToday: hunger for resourcesBut in a very pragmatic way, with numerous offers that can benefit African actors

The Indian WayLong history of tradeShared colonial mastersMost important link: diaspora!Mutual benefits many similarities with ChinaBut: no SOEs!Bilateral ties and AU at the same timeDelhi Process India-Africa Forum Summit, 2008Since 1927: common struggle against imperialism1955: Bandung, NAM1974: NIEO1990s: more pragmatic approach investments, trade, raw materials

The Japanese WayWidespread feeling: Africa is a long way from our daily concern. (The Japan Times, 12.01.2001.)Despite recent cuts in ODA, Japan wants to assist AfricaGeneral relation around aidBut: Japan also wants raw materialsThe new type of international competition might change Japanese attitude towards Africa

2001: first PM-visit to AfricaBut: 1993 first international Africa conference in TokyoTICAD2000: G8 Summit in Okinawa three African leaders to reflect upon the position of the developing world

Alternative ways of developmentComplex transformations are fore/seen in the 21st centuryA multipolar global order with emerging powers of the Global South and their different models of successful development e.g. BRIC countries, South Africa IBSA, CIBS DialogueWe can witness the retreat of the Washington Consensus + its rather poor record in Africa (CheruObi 2010: 1)Beijing Consensus (Ramo 2004), Southern Consensus non-prescriptive, no uniform solutions, pragmatic the new physics of power and development

Africas century finally?NEW self-definition, self-determination, self-reliance Mbeki: Africa define yourself!Strategic thinking alternative ways and choiceRegional co-operationContinent-wide integration (?) African UnionInter-regional tiesThe new triangle of development: Africa Persian-gulf Asia + what this holds for the entire future global system?

Thank you for your attention!www.africa.pte.hu