WESTERN HEGEMONY AND THE STRUGGLES OF INDIGENOUS AFRICAN POLITICAL THEORY

Abstract

The paper explores the challenges posed by Western dominance in shaping indigenous African political thought, emphasizing historical, epistemological, and methodological barriers. Using postcolonial theory and Afrocentricity as its framework, the paper adopts a qualitative methodology that combines historical analysis with critical discourse evaluation to assess how Western epistemologies have influenced African governance structures. The study draws on traditional governance systems and the political thought of African intellectuals like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, and Kwasi Wiredu to demonstrate that African political traditions grounded in communalism, participatory democracy, and consensus-building, offer credible alternatives to Western models but remain marginalized due to persistent academic and political biases. The paper advocates for the revitalization of African political thought through the reclamation of indigenous epistemologies, integration of traditional governance principles, and support for African-led scholarship. Therefore, decolonizing political theory through academic reform, policy transformation, and interdisciplinary research is essential for advancing governance models that reflect Africa’s sociopolitical heritage and enable meaningful participation in global political discourse.