Africa

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. The volume addresses orthodox topics of international law such as jurisdiction and intervention, from an African perspective, and seeks to ask whether in each case, the African perspective is unique or affirms existing arrangements of international law. 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, Dean, SUNY Distinguished Professor, State University of New York Buffalo Law School '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, May 2009.