RAS Director, Dr Nicholas Westcott, who is also currently a Visiting Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, has just published an ECFR policy note on Shared Fortunes: Why Britain, the EU, and Africa need each other.  It highlights the importance of the diaspora, and why Britain should give more political attention to its relations with Africa but this will only be possible if the British government significantly changes its approach to Europe as well as to Africa.

In summary, the policy note highlights that Britain and Africa are deeply connected through their history and people as much as through, investment, aid, and culture. They can both benefit greatly from this relationship – especially in areas where their interests converge. Dr. Westcott points out that political forces on both sides could push them apart – even as, increasingly, Britain needs Africa more than Africa needs Britain. The British government and the EU need to understand the relationship in its geostrategic context – the influence of China, Russia, Gulf states, and others affects African countries’ views on their place in the world. A closer and more responsive relationship between Britain, Africa, and the EU would have significant benefits for all sides – partly because each is weaker individually than they are together.

Read more here.