An Interest in African Studies and International Relations

My primary interest is in the study of Africa, both past and present - ancient history, traditions, cultures, colonialism, and nation building. I would like to study and conduct research on various issues that impact the African continent including ethnic and religious conflicts, health and environmental challenges. I am also interested in historical and evolving roles of women in Africa. In the summer of 2008, I travelled to Orogun, a village in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, where my father spent his childhood. I had read and heard stories about the oil rich villages in the Niger Delta and the plight of the villagers from environmental hazards resulting from toxic oil and gas flares, air and water pollutions leading to birth defects, lung diseases, and destruction of the ecology. I was shocked to find a village with such rich natural resources with no infrastructures, good medical facilities, or schools. I returned to Orogun in the winter of 2010 to participate in a food drive organized by the Omo-Agege foundation. We distributed over 500 bags of rice to the villagers. I also helped organize a Christmas party for the Orogun children where I introduced games like musical chairs and awarded prizes for dance competitions. I am deeply concerned about the immediate and long term health risks facing the people of the Niger Delta in Nigeria due to the environmental haz ards in the region, and hope to delve into available remedies and compensations. In the summer of 2012, IShow MoreRelatedMultilateral Relations Between Africa And Africa1407 Words   |  6 Pageshas gradually gained modest relations, and aspiring to cultivate a multifaceted partnership with major global political players in all directions from Left-Right, East–West, North-South, and South-South. The two major partners forged their own cooperation are Peoples Republic of China and United States of America and the partnerships they created are known as Sino - Africa relations named ‘Forum on China-Africa Cooperation’ (FOCAC), and US – Africa which is dubbed ‘African Growth and Opportunity Act’Read MoreRelationship Between Rwanda, Israels Perceptions Of The 1994 Rwandan Genocide1249 Words   |  5 Pagesother African Great Lakes region nations. During my various periods living within Rwanda, I have had the opportunity to perform independent research and analysis on the nation’s political, military, agricultural-focus ed development, religious and social history and presence. This research resulted in my publication for the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs titled, â€Å"Rwanda, Israel, and Operation Protective Edge.† I wish to continue my current research on Rwandan perceptions of the international communityRead MoreAn Approach to the Regional Neoliberal Governance in Southern Africa from a Critical Perspective1177 Words   |  5 Pagesforces that build them up. (Sà ¶derbaum 2004a, p. 421). The process of economic globalization and the impact of neoliberalism in the contemporary world have affected the context in which regionalism/ regionalization occurs, with new balances and relations and consequent implications for the political economy of regionalism (Sà ¶derbaum 2004b, p. 17).The new regionalism movement comes as an answer to those challenges deriving from transnational actors and those posed to the nation state. AdditionallyRead MoreMy Parents Taught Me The Value Of An Education Essay1607 Words   |  7 Pageswas the only Black student in my grade. 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Alan Kuperman (2000) presented the argument that ‘Western media blame the international community for not intervening quickly, but the mediaRead MoreEssay on History of the Democratic Republic of Congo1169 Words   |  5 PagesCongo region. They held great interests in the rubber industry and created harsh labor camps that exploited the people. That is why after gaining independence in 1960, the nation then known as Zaire plunged into chaos. Military unrest coupled with oppressive warlord throughout the region made it a very unstable state, ready to collapse. Nowadays, U.N. peacekeeping forces hold posts in the nation to maintain its stability. The United States has had foreign relations with the country from 1960 andRead MoreProblem: Human Rights Violations In Sino-Africa Cooperation1321 Words   |  6 PagesCooperation China’s increasing presence in Africa has been exposed to international critiques for human rights violations. Rampant land grabbing by Chinese companies, labor abuses in Chinese factories and farms, and China’s close bonds with authoritarian governments are three major problems that have become protuberant, impeding the progress of China’s â€Å"Going-Abroad† strategy in Africa. Take China’s footprint in the African agricultural sector, for example. According to Human Rights Watch in 2012Read MoreIntercultural Communication At The National Alliance Party ( Tna ) Essay1653 Words   |  7 PagesCOMMUNICATION COURSE CODE: COM 1500 INSTRUCTOR: NGINDA R. DATE: 6TH JUNE 2016 ASSIGNMENT: IMPORTANCE OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN YOUR LINE OF STUDY. INTRODUCTION My name is Amanda Wainaina, and I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. The main area of focus l have decided to undertake is Development Studies whilst also taking a minor in Management. Furthermore, I am currently interning at The National Alliance Party (TNA). Inasmuch as I am very excited aboutRead MoreCrisis Diplomacy1351 Words   |  6 Pagestogether. Diplomacy is defined as the conducting of negotiations between representatives of states. This may refer to international diplomacy, the conduct of international relations through the communication of professional diplomats in the essence of certain issues such as peace-making, economics, cultures, trade, war, environment and human rights (Feaver, 2010). The main case study to be focused on will be that of Libya and how the EU AND AU were involved in the diplomatic intervention in Libya.Read MoreInternational Trade Has Brought Huge Gains On A Number Of Countries Around The World1472 Words   |  6 Pages1.1. Statement of the research problem International trade has brought massive gains to a number of countries around the world. It has helped spread technology, enhanced competitiveness, raised productivity, and gave consumers with a number of choices. These potential gains from trade have motivated countries to aggressively negotiate for trade relations and explore new trade opportunities. For instance, a study which was carried out by World Trade Organization (WTO) (2008), for the period 1950-2007