The Pre-Colonial African State System

Abstract

Abstract This chapter explores the dynamics of the African state system before the en masse arrival of Europeans in the fifteenth century. It firstly examines the different types of political organizations found across the continent, and secondly, how trade, war, slavery, and kinship served to connect these states despite organizational differences. The argument drawn from this research is twofold. First, the chapter presents the idea that International Relations scholars can meaningfully talk of a unique, coherent African state system that existed prior to European contact. Second, it is suggested that the characteristics of this system would ultimately have a profound impact upon the system’s relationship with its European counterpart beginning in the fifteenth century.