The Politics of Time - Imagining African Becomings

Africa is becoming a major theater for the future of the planet, and is also emerging as a great laboratory for novel forms of social, economic, political, intellectual, cultural, and artistic life. In November 2017, the Ateliers de la pensée – Workshops of Thought – was held in Dakar, Senegal, with 50 African and diasporic intellectuals and artists participating. This volume discusses the concurrence and entanglement of multiple temporalities, the politics of life in the Anthropocene, the project of decolonization, and the preservation and transmission of different ways of knowing. It will be indispensable works for anyone interested in Africa and the new forms of critical thought emerging from Africa and the Global South.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

As we traverse the third decade of the twenty-first century, the world is undergoing a profound historical transformation, with Africa and the Global South emerging as central stages in shaping the destiny of our planet. This transformation is not limited to a mere geographical shift; rather, Africa is also emerging as a vibrant laboratory for the emergence of novel social, economic, political, intellectual, cultural, and artistic life forms. These new manifestations often arise in unexpected places, drawing deeply from collective memory while simultaneously assuming distinctly contemporary and even futuristic guises.

In November 2017, the second session of the Ateliers de la pensée – Workshops of Thought – took place in Dakar, Senegal, bringing together fifty African and diasporic intellectuals and artists to engage in lively debates across various thematic lines. This volume is the culmination of that encounter, showcasing the diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches taken by the participants. Among the topics explored were the intricate interplay of multiple temporalities, the politics of life in the Anthropocene era, the ongoing project of decolonization, and the preservation and transmission of diverse ways of knowing.

In the face of a world grappling with the specter of its own demise, the contributors to this volume raise an important question: Can we, by focusing on Africa as a point of departure, explore alternative futures for not only Africa but for the world as a whole? The Politics of Time and its companion volume, To Write the Africa World, will serve as essential resources for anyone interested in Africa's past, present, and future, as well as the emerging forms of critical thought emanating from Africa and the Global South.

By delving into the complexities of African history, culture, and society, these works offer valuable insights into the forces that have shaped the continent and its global connections. They also highlight the resilience and creativity of African communities in navigating the challenges of the past and present, while paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Moreover, the Ateliers de la pensée workshops have played a crucial role in fostering intellectual exchange and collaboration among African and diasporic thinkers, promoting a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our world. Through their discussions and debates, the participants have challenged traditional narratives and explored new avenues for thinking and acting, contributing to the development of a more informed and engaged global community.

In conclusion, as we enter the third decade of the twenty-first century, Africa and the Global South are poised to assume an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of our planet. The emergence of novel social, economic, political, intellectual, cultural, and artistic life forms in these regions is a testament to the immense potential and resilience of African communities. By engaging with the ideas and perspectives presented in this volume, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of our world and work towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 234 x 149 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509551101