Transformation of national identity, geopolitics and nation building in sub-saharan Africa: The Cases of Cameroon and Senegal

This dissertation examines the evolving nature of national identity and its significance to geopolitics and nation building in Cameroon and Senegal. Within the current global context, previous theories and scholars failed to explain how the recent changes in national identity informs the choice of geopolitics and the international identity of Cameroon and Senegal. It is against this backdrop that this research sought to ascertain the extent to which changes in national identity have transcended national borders and spilled over to the geopolitical landscape. The research particularly focused on how the elites and the public in Cameroon and Senegal perceive their national identity and geopolitics. The study hypothesized that the change in elite and public perception of national identity has meant that a different version of geopolitics and international identity has emerged in both postcolonial states. The research formulated a conceptual of "strategic identity" that comprehensively explain the evolving nature of national identity and geopolitics in postcolonial African states. The conceptual framework was formulated based on my own propositions and those of earlier scholars on constructivism and realist approach on strategic culture. The concept of strategic identity symbolizes a new type of national and international identity different from that inherited from colonial counterparts. This research relied on mixed-method techniques which combines elements of qualitative and quantitative methods. The mixed-method approach was supported by a comparative case study, alongside content and discourse analytical techniques. The analysis focused in the period before and after globalization. The outcome of the analysis revealed the extent to which changes in national identity have transcended national borders and influence the choice of geopolitics in Cameroon and Senegal. Though the outcome of the analysis showed that in recent years changes in national identity have transcended national borders and spilled over to the geopolitical landscape, comparatively, it was established that Senegal has assumed a more dynamic image and position in geopolitics than Cameroon. Her recent dynamic and versatile image account for the new type national identity theorized in this dissertation as a form of strategic identity. The study also highlighted the challenges and significance of strategic identity to issues of growth, nation and peace building. The research concluded by explaining how the findings contribute to knowledge and add a new dimension to the existing literature of identity politics in post-colonial African states, especially Cameroon and Senegal.