Week 5. The Imperialist Assault
African Command aka AFRICOM, has established at least 29 permanent military bases on the continent, which includes more than 60 outposts in at least 34 countries. However, AFRICOM is just one aspect of Western imperialism. Throughout history, the West has used multiple tactics, such as military interventions, orchestrating coups, imposing sanctions, and disseminating misinformation and propaganda, to further its own interests.
Readings:
Defending Our Sovereignty: US Military Bases in Africa and the Future of African Unity by Tricontintental: Institute for Social Research
Life of Debt: The Stranglehold of Neocolonialism and Africa’s Search for Alternatives by Tricontintental: Institute for Social Research
Intro to Eritrea
Since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, the country has been attacked by the West and has been on the receiving end of countless sanctions and extreme isolation. Join us on Aug 4 for an introductory class on Eritrea’s struggle, its regional and international context and current conditions.
Mon July 31, 6:30pm ET
Instructor: Amb. Sophia Tesfamariam
Debt and Neo-colonialism
In this class, we will explore the basis of the neoliberal debt trap that has ensnared many countries and perpetuated an endless debt crisis, as well as the lasting implications.
Sat. Aug 5, 12 PM ET
Instructor: Grieve Chelwa
AFRICOM and Hybrid War
Throughout history, the West has used multiple tactics, such as military interventions, orchestrating coups, imposing sanctions, and disseminating misinformation and propaganda, to further its own interests on the African continent. In this class, we’ll explore the concept of hybrid warfare and its implications on governance, sovereignty, and development.
Wed Aug 2, 6:30pm ET
Instructor: Kambale Musavuli
NATO and US Intervention
The 2011 U.S.-led NATO bombing of Libya is but one example of decades of violent Western interventions, all under the guise of “peacekeeping”. Join us on Aug 3 as we study the history and methods of various NATO and U.S. interventions in the region and the lasting implications of these interventions
Thur Aug 3, 6:30pm ET
Instructor: Essam Elkorghli and Samar Al-Bulushi
Additional Readings
Ch 4 - Libya’s Million Mutinies from Arab Spring, Libyan Winter by Vijay Prashad
The de-Africanization and re-Europeanization of Libya: A tale on the normalization of anti-Blackness by Essam Elkorghli
What is AFRICOM? How the U.S. Military is Militarizing and Destabilizing Africa by Samar Al-Bulushi
Libya: behind the politics of humanitarian intervention by Mahmood Mamdani