Africa has traditionally been viewed through a colonial lens as a ‘dark’ continent requiring civilization – perpetuating stereotypes that overlook its rich culture and pre-colonial history.
Despite Africa’s proximity to Asia and ancient maritime links with South Asia, Pakistan has produced insignificant literary or scholarly work on Africa, while policymakers have mostly overlooked the continent’s importance.
Ties That Bind offers expert insights and diplomatic accounts to provide a nuanced understanding of Africa beyond colonial narratives. The book explores Africa’s diverse regions – East, North, West, Central, and South – examining political dynamics, economic prospects, and global powers’ strategic interests. It studies historical connections and potential future cooperation between Pakistan and African nations, including military contributions, counter-piracy efforts, and transnational Baloch ethnicity.
This collected work by scholars and practitioners aims to highlight Africa’s significance to readers, portraying the continent’s true vibrancy. The book intends to provide policy planners with a foundation for enhancing diplomatic and economic relations with African nations while stimulating scholarly discourse and research.