The Future of the Multi-Ethnic African State: On the Perspective of Ifeanyi A. Menkiti
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Menkiti_Rawls_Africa_borders_justice_peoples.pdf (225.57 KB)
Authors
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Polish Academy of Sciences, Centre for Studies on Non-European Countries
Abstract
In this article, I present and critically analyze the main ideas of the Nigerian thinker, Ifeanyi A. Menkiti, on the future of the multi-ethnic state in Africa. Menkiti appears to consider that the basic condition for the successful coexistence of the various groups occupying the states of Africa is for relations between them to rest on just principles. Justice should involve the fair and equitable division amongst peoples of the burdens and benefits of living in a common state. To realize this ideal, he proposes the creation in Africa of morally neutral, managerial states. He bases his plan in part on the ideas of John Rawls. Close analysis of Menkiti’s views shows that his vision of the minimalist state is only a temporary solution, which is to lead to the peaceful dismemberment of the current post-colonial model of multi-ethnic states functioning within the old colonial borders. The basic value of Menkiti’s thought rests in his reversal of the usual perspective on African states, as he considers that maintaining territorial integrity or achieving unity should no longer be considered a paramount necessity. The article has been published in "Hemispheres" 2010, No. 25, pp. 73-93.
Description
Keywords
Menkiti Ifeanyi A. Menkiti Ifeanyi Menkiti multi-ethnic state multiethnic state multi-ethnic African states multiethnic African states future of states in Africa borders in Africa Rawls John Rawls African borders justice injustice law of peoples theory of justice peoples state in Africa African political thought African political philosophy territory integrity unity state Africa ethnic ethnicity border border studies minimalist state managerial state territorial integrity territorial unity
Citation
Trzciński, Krzysztof, "The Future of the Multi-Ethnic African State: On the Perspective of Ifeanyi A. Menkiti." Hemispheres 25 (2010): 73-93.