The Rise of the State System in Africa
Reading the article and watching the video this week has provided me with a picture of the history of the state system in Africa. In the article “The Rise of the State System in Africa” written by, Carolyn M. Warner there are many details providing information on the long and problematic history dating back to the first encounters of the idea. Most of the article is focused on the definition of state in Africa and how there isn’t really an agreeable form of the word there. There were scholars from early European societies that would label one area of a society as many different terms. For example, one of the scholars referred to city states, empires, dynasties, and nomadic confederations in North Africa and Central Sudan all as one thing. This among many other outside sources are involved in the confusion of the true meaning of “state” in Africa. Others believe a state is what territorially makes up an area then there’s also Weber’s famous term of the word where he said it’s a “political community” of people within an area. The article further explains colonial power and their efforts to force their definition of the ideology and their “institutionalism of power” is what Africa depended on to decide what was going to be their definition of state. When watching “The King & The City,” Presented by Basil Davidson I saw more of the traditional meanings of state to the African people. Since they are true to their traditions some areas of the continent still had kings when the video was produced that would rule the state system in certain areas. Whereas, in other areas with the strong and prominent religion of Islam, it decides what state system is practiced. The Great Mosque of Kano in the capital city of Kano State is a great example in the video where the old traditions are still followed while new ones are being introduced. There is a traditional mosque dating back to the ancient civilizations, representing the old, while there is a growing city and marketplace that surrounds it, representing the new
In the documentary presented by Basil Davidson it begins by talking about The African King in Northern Nigeria. Davidson stated that by having a King it helps with solving the problems of government. He then goes on to discuss how Kings do not have any governmental power. However, he is still the traditional ruler of an ancient city and kingdom. Kings are described as “one of many African people who built their own organized states over the past 1000 years”. Davidson mentions how in order to be recognized for their power and authority; they need to display their wealth. As well as, to prove they are wise, they need to provide entertainment. These practices are still used to this day to show recognition. However, in other parts of Africa people believe that they find it easier and better to do without any higher power. No matter how things have changed in the past years, kingship remains an important part to the culture and the people to this day. Even though many of these Kingdoms have not remained to this day, they still display their power. In the video it then goes on and talks about how the Europeans reached the shore and they came in peace, as traders, and ambassadors asking favors. The King was able to allow trading permits between them and the Europeans which he did in return for handsome gifts. Then it mentions how some cities were large and impressive enough to command European respect. Each state had its own capital such as Kano, which today is one of the major cities of modern Nigeria. Davidson explains how Kano has become one of singular drama and brilliance. In the reading “The Rise of the State System in Africa”, Carolyn M. Warner discusses the history of Africa’s Political Systems. It mentions how some Africans had a different meaning for what they believe is considered a “state”.
“The Rise of the State System.” was written in 2001 by Carolyn M. Warner. Her intended audience is those who are interested in Africa’s political systems. She has an objective mindset wanting to have her message conveyed in a clear unbiased manner. Africa’s relation to the concept and practice of ‘state’ and ‘states system’ has been problematic since its first encounters with those who were armed with the concept in observing the collapse of authority and governance in a number of African states, some scholars have suggested that Africa presented the states system with alternative political organizations. Others argued that as long as there is a colonel of armed authority in territorial demarcated areas, a state exists. Africa’s politics have often responded unconventionally, yet strategically, to interaction with the sovereign state system elaborated by the Europeans. To comprehend the lack of it, in the state system of contemporary Africa, we need to know something about its pre-colonial political structures and organizations and the imprint of empires in the country. Did colonialism and the Western system of sovereign states rule out alternative structures for the newly independent African states? What impact did colonial rule have on the development of the states? She addresses these questions in the context of special issue’s concern with both the structure of the international system and the devel
