Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Relations Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 60-65)

ABSTRACT
The study explores The AU in the Era of Globalization and the New World Order. Globalization and the new world order is the economic and political dispensation or environment that emerged at the end of the cold war between the United States of America and the Soviet Union. The following research questions were raised to guide the study, the role of the AU in integrating Africa into the age of globalization and the new world order, factors accounting for Africa’s backwardness in global affairs, the impact of globalization and the new world order on the African continent and the possibilities that Africa could benefit from the new global environment. The aims and objectives of the study includes placing Africa in its right position in global politics, to examine the role of African diplomacy in global affairs, to explore the impact of globalization and the new world order on the African continent and make Africa realize that the development of the continent is their responsibility. The significance of the studies centered on revealing the role and place of Africa in global affairs, exposing the politics of the superpowers in relegating Africa to the periphery in global politics. To help Africa realize and take its rightful place in international Affairs. To reveal that Africa’s problem is not about the adverse effect of colonialism and imperialism but internal. The research made use of primary and secondary sources, like books, articles, journals, reports, policy documents, conferences, and seminar papers. The emphasis of the study is on the fact that from inception Africa was never involved in the deliberations that led to the rules and principles guiding international politics. Africa’s position was that of a by stander and servant. But globalization and the new world order became Africa’s wakeup call because they realized they did not have what it takes to survive the new economic and political environment. To Achieve this The Organization of African Union (OAU) formed in 1963 was transformed to the African Union (AU) in 2002 to undertake and foresee the rapid economic development of Africa in a bid to reposition it not just to take its rightful position in Global politics but to equip Africa with the necessary tools to benefit from the new global environment.