New colonial rivalry in the 21th century Sub-Saharan Africa: Comparative anaylsis of the policies of BRICS and EU countries

This thesis will review the relations between Sub-Saharan African countries and the European Union since decolonization process till the present day in light of neo-colonialism perspective. The thesis will also refer to the relations since the colonial period till the decolonization process from the perspective of colonialism. In this context, the Rome Agreement of 1957 and subsequent agreements with former colonies provided favorable tools for the transition from colonialism to neo-colonialism. Non-reciprocal priveleges and development funds that were provided to Africa have been the most important tools for European countries to maintain their influence in former colonies. After the end of the Cold War, the neo-liberal economy model prevailed all over the world and as a result, EU accorded its development policies in line with the neo-liberal principles. The hierarchical relationship between the parties has become more pronounced as the EU's ramped up pressure on Sub-Saharan African countries to implement neo-liberal economic reforms and revoked non-reciprocal privileges. The 21st century witnessed heating up of rivalry in the African continent with rise of BRICS countries as new players in the game. This rivalry has driven the EU to pursue more aggressive policies. Many authors called this development as the "New Scramble for Africa" by alluding to the experience of Africa during the colonial period.