Westphalian State System, European Capitalist Expansion, and the Historical Foundations of Africa's Incorporation into the Global Political Economy: Implications for State Autonomy in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

This study focused on the interaction of the Westphalian State System, European capitalist expansion, and the integration of Africa in the global political economy, and its impact on state autonomy in the 21st century. The study employed three research questions to guide the study on how the Westphalian state system and European capitalist expansion enabled the incorporation of Africa into the global political economy, how this incorporation continues to affect state autonomy in the present-day international system and what strategies can enhance Africa's autonomy in the contemporary international system. A qualitative historical research design was used, where only secondary data gathered from peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, official reports, policy documents and publications of reputable international organizations were used. Thematic content analysis and historical content analysis were engaged to analyse the data, and the analytical framework of World-Systems Theory and Dependency Theory were used to interpret the data. The research revealed that the process of Africa's integration in the global political economy has been shaped by European imperialism and capitalist accumulation, influencing its policy autonomy, and that these relations of economic dependence have persisted over time despite political sovereignty. The results also showed that the main commodity production and external financing and market access continue to restrict independent development planning, with differential access to global markets. The study shows that strategic approach to the global economy, instead of isolationist, is needed to enhance state autonomy. It thus urges continued investments in industrialisation and economic diversification, with a view to improving the bargaining power of Africa and encouraging more autonomous and sustainable development, as well as strengthening the state institutions and advancing regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).