International Law, Colonialism, and the African

Abstract

Gassama critically examines the role of international law and all its manifestations in the lives of Africans during both the colonial era and the present day. He argues that this law not only facilitated imperialism and colonialism, it remains at the core of what Africans received from imperialism and colonial rule. He argues further that Africans remain in many ways unable to fully escape its tragic hold on their lives. He explains how international law and institutions occupy a predominant role today in organizing African realities and in justifying the complex web of persistent and violent exploitative relationships that order the place of ordinary Africans within the present even more alienating globalized world order.

I dedicate this chapter to the memory of my dearest friend and longtime collaborator, Professor Louise Hope Lewis (1962–2016). I am grateful for the insights and comments of colleagues Professors Antony Anghie, A. B. Assensoh, Michael Fakhri, and Michelle McKlinley. I am also grateful for the research assistance provided by Marissa Martinez and Colin R. Saint-Evens.