ABSTRACT
This chapter views African international politics from a constructivist perspective. Constructivism believes that structural conditions are not the principal determinant of the behaviour of actors. It thinks rather than material factors, ideational factors are the principal determinant of the behaviour of actors in that the preferences of actors are socially constructed, their actions are determined by their social interactions and their interests. In other words, when pursuing their interests, actors are conscious of their place and role in a social group, consequently they pay attention to, and respect, the interests and reactions of the other members of the group. From a constructivist view, the divisions and differences in Part I are what Africa makes of them. From a constructivist view, the structuralist explanation of African international politics in Chapter 5 is wrong. In addition, from a constructivist view, the cooperation in Chapter 6 can be enhanced and the problem of recurrent injustices in Chapter 7 can be resolved.
