Postmodern Intervention & Human Rights: Report of the Commission for Africa

In: Review of African political economy, Band 32, Heft 106, S. 595-598

Abstract

It is argued that the world is at a crucial juncture as it transitions from modern imperialism to a new, postmodern, imperial formation. The world economy is now characterized by an emerging hierarchy of core-periphery relations rather than relations determined by geography. The Report of the Commission for Africa, entitled "Our Common Interest" (2005) is analyzed in the light of this argument. It is noted that the report identifies Africa as largely the cause of its own problems; the report focuses upon social infrastructure rather than an economic agenda; & it emphasizes the development of state capacity & public administration at all levels. It is concluded that a social services model of sovereign states in the periphery is emerging. Furthermore, it emphasizes that NGOs' human rights agendas serve the security & privatization priorities of global capitalism in relation to the periphery. References. R. Prince