The relationship between France and the Francophone African States (FAS) in the period 1960-1980 : an analysis of the multidimensional relationship betweeen former colonies and their former metropolis

This thesis uses a multidimensional analysis of the relations developed between France and her former colonies of sub-Saharan Africa. These multi-faceted interactions were constructed on decades of colonial cohabitation which ended in 1960. This decolonisation was accompanied by an impressive array of cooperation agreements that was to govern the post-colonial `privileged relationship'. Hence, the first task of the thesis is to analyze the relationship from a historical perspective. It investigates the motives, instruments and policies that enabled France to acquire, and maintain, this colonial domain. It also discusses the reasons that led to the peaceful disintegration of this conventional sphere of influence. Later, it seeks to establish whether such decolonisation was a quid pro quo for cooperation with the former metropolis. The second task, however, is to discuss the French conceptions, perceptions and aspirations behind the new contractual sphere of influence. It, then, seeks to examine the various motivations, justifications and interests explaining France's veneration for her relations with the FAS. In fact, this privileged relationship has been transformed into a system with its proper bureaucratic structures but with no dogmatic consistency. The Franco-African system is multi-dimensional. It does not only include economic and financial relations but also diplomatic, political, cultural, technical and military interactions. In order to understand the continuity, consistency and symmetry of the relationship, a multi-dimensional mode of analysis is used to highlight not only the general pattern of interaction but also individual variations of the FAS vis-`a-vis the former colonial state, by using the available statistical sources. We used, on the other hand, a three-dimensional analytical framework. The first dimension involves the use of some structural theories of imperial domination. The second, however, is based on the various contributions of the dependency theory and the mechanism of dependence, as developed by Mahler. Finally, it utilises the official French conception of cooperation as portrayed in French official reports. (DX178948)