Great Britain/Africa: does Britain have an African policy?

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Periodical article

Title:	Great Britain/Africa: does Britain have an African policy?
Author:	Styan, David
Year:	1996
Periodical:	L'Afrique politique
Pages:	261-286
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Africa United Kingdom
Subject:	foreign policy
Abstract:	This article examines current British policy towards Africa. Africa remains a low political priority for British politicians, in clear contrast to French attitudes. This has permitted the presentation of an apparent coherent African policy under a single 'minister for Africa', since 1989 Lynda Chalker. Whilst the policy is rooted in the promotion of UK trade and the provision of overseas aid, there is increasing emphasis on the promotion of political pluralism, economic reform and conflict resolution. The article highlights Britain's contradictory stance on policy conditionality and political pluralism, the continued significance of trade with a small number of anglophone countries, headed by South Africa and Nigeria, and the steady decline of UK direct investment in Africa. It also looks at the changing nature of UK relations with South Africa and the impact that the end of apartheid has had upon the Commonwealth. It further briefly examines the impact of public and NGO opinion upon British attitudes to Africa. Finally, it raises issues of migration and political asylum seekers from Africa and suggests there is an increasingly false dichotomy between domestic and foreign policy concerns. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and French.