Short Abstract

The AES exemplifies the efforts of developing nations that struggle to break free from post-colonial ties. The old Cold War paradigm no longer holds. The AES is seeking sovereignty without pledging lasting allegiance to any of the former superpowers. What might the future of these efforts be?

Long Abstract

Much of what one observes in the Alliance of Sahel Nations (AES) depends on the prism through which one views it.

The panel examines the history of the AES group countries, analyzes current actions, and projects the future. In today’s geopolitical climate, many changes can occur before the panel shares its analysis with the audience. All panelists will address the future. Rather than a daunting assignment, this is a welcome challenge and exciting task that examines shifting developments. The list of expert panelists will be on top of the situation.

Among other possible topics, the panel addresses a series of contrasts that need not be contradictory:

food insecurity turning into food for export; gender issues in countries with majority Muslim populations; emigration and immigration; guaranteed access to the sea as a game changer for landlocked countries; democracy and coups; Africa’s Big Men in the original sense; solidarity up to a point; not quite a return to Bandung 1955, but many echos of that hopeful, spirited time in history and subsequent moments as well; the rise of the Global South, this time with more tangible results; The United Nations and a new world order; sovereignty-dependency; the effects on other Afrcan nations; the Trump-like factor. What will his influence mean by the time of the conference?

After the conference, the organizer and her co-convener will work to turn the conference papers into a publishable book, inviting scholars with knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject to round out the manuscript.

Propose paper