3 Case study: great powers in Africa

The first case study in this course will explore the growing competition among powerful states for influence and resources in Africa. By reading this case study, you will gain a basic understanding into the main actors involved and the key issues – i.e. resources, diplomacy, and security – around which they compete. This will introduce you to the process of ‘doing’ International Relations analysis, by exploring who some of the most significant actors are, what are the main issues these actors have to deal with, and what debates arise from these issues and interactions among all these actors. As a result, you will be able to engage with ‘real world’ debates on a specific case.