Külügyi Szemle - A Magyar Külügyi Intézet folyóirata - 2008 (7. évfolyam)

2008 / 4. szám - AFRIKA - Búr Gábor: The Second Scramble - a második versenyfutás Afrikáért

Résumé

The second scramble for Africa

There have been a number of signs in recent years that Africa has gained in importance. It is a result of two developments which are not closely connected with each other. The failure of Africa, its lagging behind the other continents justified its outside support because the continent has become a security, health, etc. risk. This view became widespread as early as the 1990s; however, we can talk about a real turn only after September 2001. At the same time, the new milleneum brought about the increase of the world economic importance of the continent. Its reason is unquestionably the increased demand for the natural resources of the continent, especially for its oil and ores. A real scramble started for these materials which reminds, to a certain extent, to the first scramble about hundred years ago because the goal was the control over the natural resources at that time as well. Nevertheless, today's scramble has several participants; there is, first of all, China, but India, Brazil, and Russia are not far behind. Moreover, a lot of countries are competing with Europe and the United States to get a substantial share of the export-import markets of Africa. However, this situation is beneficial for Africa only at first sight; the danger for Africa is that the re-strengthening of the world economic positions is happening on the basis of the old model of manufactured goods for raw materials. It is the responsibilty of politics to stave off the recognized danger.

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Külügyi Szemle