Introduction

Abstract

As we enter the twenty-first century, the impact of globalisation and its ramifications is being felt in every part of the world, including the most remote parts of Africa. These developments have led to the re-evaluation of existing structures in international relations as well as the creation of new ones which incorporate the global changes necessary, economically, socially and politically. However, the African continent seemingly still remains isolated in the global system. For the continent to benefit from the new developments, and to take part in global interactions as an equal partner and at a competitive level, there must be a new form of research and scholarship primarily focused on the nature of African societies, cultures and value systems. Up to the present time, however, this has remained a marginalised area in academic discourse and praxis.