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Disentangling the Question of African Agency: Maturing, Retarded or Degenerating?

Author

Listed:
  • Odhiambo Alphonce Kasera

    (Doctoral Candidate (Political Science), SDSS, Maseno University, Adjunct Lecturer, University of Kabianga and Rongo University -Kenya)

  • Bruno Charles

    (Mentees of the First Author at SDSS who are in their Advanced Undergraduate Studies (BA International Relations and Diplomacy with I.T and BA Development Studies with I.T))

  • Mathews Owili

    (Mentees of the First Author at SDSS who are in their Advanced Undergraduate Studies (BA International Relations and Diplomacy with I.T and BA Development Studies with I.T))

  • Baraka Karama

    (Mentees of the First Author at SDSS who are in their Advanced Undergraduate Studies (BA International Relations and Diplomacy with I.T and BA Development Studies with I.T))

  • Salu Francis

    (Mentees of the First Author at SDSS who are in their Advanced Undergraduate Studies (BA International Relations and Diplomacy with I.T and BA Development Studies with I.T))

  • Oguna Heamolike

    (Mentees of the First Author at SDSS who are in their Advanced Undergraduate Studies (BA International Relations and Diplomacy with I.T and BA Development Studies with I.T))

  • Okongo Felix

    (Mentees of the First Author at SDSS who are in their Advanced Undergraduate Studies (BA International Relations and Diplomacy with I.T and BA Development Studies with I.T))

  • Mercy Abiud

    (Mentees of the First Author at SDSS who are in their Advanced Undergraduate Studies (BA International Relations and Diplomacy with I.T and BA Development Studies with I.T))

Abstract

Exploring the multifaceted dimensions of African agency in international relations, this review article interrogates the complex interplay between structural marginalization and the capacity of African actors—state and non-state alike—to influence global order. Through contemporary scholarship, it challenges reductive narratives that depict Africa solely as a passive recipient of external forces. The analysis synthesizes diverse perspectives, highlighting a dynamic tension where African agency is simultaneously asserted, constrained, and evolving. The authors engage the scholarship in a quasi-comparative dialogue, contemplating whether this agency is maturing, retarded and/or degenerating, while emphasizing the importance of including Afrocentric epistemologies to enrich understanding. Notably, African states’ strategic involvement in initiatives like China’s Belt and Road showcases their agency amidst risks of neo-dependency, revealing both opportunities for self-defined development and potential dependencies. Future empirical research is urged to translate conceptualizations of agency into practical applications within diplomatic and policy contexts. In the conclusion, the paper emphasizes that the measure of African agency transcends theoretical discourse; it must be recognized in its operationalization within global governance structures. The paper therefore calls for a re-evaluation of Africa’s role as an active player on the world stage.

Suggested Citation

  • Odhiambo Alphonce Kasera & Bruno Charles & Mathews Owili & Baraka Karama & Salu Francis & Oguna Heamolike & Okongo Felix & Mercy Abiud, 2025. "Disentangling the Question of African Agency: Maturing, Retarded or Degenerating?," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(5), pages 2985-3009, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-5:p:2985-3009
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. William Brown, 2012. "A Question of Agency: Africa in international politics," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(10), pages 1889-1908.
    2. Mkandawire, Thandika, 2001. "Thinking about Developmental States in Africa," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 25(3), pages 289-313, May.
    3. Markus Kornprobst, 2020. "African agency and global orders: the demanding case of nuclear arms control," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(5), pages 898-915, May.
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