Africa: Mapping New Boundaries in International Law

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The principal aim of this work is to provide a forum for leading international lawyers with experience and interest in Africa to address a broad range of intellectual challenges concerning the contribution of African states and peoples to international law. As such, the volume addresses orthodox topics of international law - such as jurisdiction and intervention - but tackles them from an African perspective, and seeks to ask whether, in each case, the African perspective is unique or affirms existing arrangements of international law. The book cannot come at a more important time. While international legal discourse has been captured by the challenge of terrorism since September 11, 2001, there are clear signs that other issues are returning to the fore. Political interest in Africa has undergone a global revival, and the OAU has been transformed into the African Union. Infrastructural challenges, along with those taking place in regional contexts, have effectively mapped a new politico-legal landscape for Africa. This, and more, is explored, and the key normative questions are addressed in a series of essays by leading Africanist scholars. 'This is a remarkable collection of essays that clearly and concisely demonstrates that Africa has and will continue to play a major role in fashioning new norms of international law and policy and contribute to its progressive development by affirming existing norms. Professor Levitt is to be commended for having the vision, leadership and intellectual prowess to produce this excellent text. The book signals a major shift from the study of Africa as a basket case to a normative market place.' Akua Kuenyehia, Vice President, International Criminal Court 'Professor Levitt's work, Africa: Mapping New Boundaries in International Law, is pathbreaking in the true sense of that word. Through old and new voices, it excavates the singular contributions of Africa to a discipline that is marked by Eurocentrism and imperial aspirations. The authors, taking their cue from the indefatigable and insightful Professor Levitt, establish beyond a shadow of a doubt the enormity of the normative contributions that Africa has made to international law. The book must therefore be seen as a defining contribution to the multiculturalization of international law. It is for this reason that Professor Levitt is among the most important American academics working and thinking in international law today.' Makau Mutua, Interim Dean, SUNY Distinguished Professor, State University of New York Buffalo Law School

Reviews

The multiple-author analysis of the varied contemporary results provides fascinating reading for one who seeks a better appreciation of the importance of this continent to the future of mankind This vividly-written and well-edited collection is fully supported by references that make it a veritable encyclopaedia of information on the evolution of International Law on the African continent. * American Society of International Law newsletter, Issue 39 *
the volume presents an interesting collection of scholarship that illuminates some of the important contributions that the African continent has made to international law. Overall Levitt effectively provides concrete examples of African contributions that do not portray Africa primarily as a subject of international law. -- Elisabeth S. Bradley * Journal of International Law and Politics, Volume 42, Number 1 *
A powerful instalment presenting a welcome and fresh view of Africa. -- Makau Mutua * American Journal of International Law, Volume 104 *

Author Bio

Jeremy Levitt is Associate Professor of Law & Director Program for Human Rights & Global Justice at Florida International University.