Department of Politics and Philosophy

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http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/621
The Department of Politics and Philosophy collection in DSpace at the University of Fort Hare provides access to the scholarly and research outputs of staff and students. This collection includes research publications, conference papers, and examination question papers. The Department offers an interdisciplinary platform for the study of Political Science, Philosophy, and International Relations, fostering critical engagement with issues of governance, democracy, ethics, global politics, and human rights. Its teaching and research explore both African and international political thought, global governance, public policy, and moral philosophy, with a focus on understanding power, justice, and leadership in a changing world. By preserving and disseminating these resources, the collection supports teaching, learning, and research while promoting intellectual inquiry, ethical reasoning, and informed participation in local and global affairs.

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Now showing 1 - 17 of 17
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    The Relationship Between Subjectivity and Objectivity in the Sciences with Special Reference to the Hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer
    (University of Fort Hare, 1992-03-15) Ndaba, Walter Joseph
    In historical this the light chapter of this perspective, demonstrates that philosophical systems, emerging from the human search for knowledge and truth, changing because it can be experience of life philosophy reflects said to exhibit element, that is, it seeks reflect man's and reality man's experience, an to existential interpret man's Lebenswelt in the light of man's contingent or variable experience of reality. The hermeneutical and existential dimension of 1 philosophy, can be shown in respect of the philosophy of Plato.
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    An appraisal of the impact of the intervention of the bretton woods institutions (IMF/WORLD BANK) on African Countries' Development: The experience of Kenya and Ghana
    (University of Fort Hare, 2010) Ngcingwana, Xolisa
    Africa's persistent underdevelopment has evoked wide range of research interest within the domain of political economy, and the fore-going study seeks to shed light and thus contributing to the ever growing yet daunting subject. The skewed economic relations within the international economic realm has, in particular, disadvantaged, and placed severe economic growth limitations in Sub-Saharan African countries. The external economic intervention by the IMF and World Bank through Structural adjustment programmes has as a result come under immense scrutiny as such programmes, to some considerable extent, impact on Africa's economic progress.
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    Humanitarian intervention in conflict management in Africa: selected case study analysis of Sudan and Lybya.
    (University of Fort Hare, 2015) Mururiwa, Tapiwa Gladmore
    The study investigates the effectiveness of humanitarian intervention as a strategy in conflict management in Africa drawing from case studies in Sudan and Libya. The research utilized an interaction of both primary and secondary data sources. Primary sources used are African Union (AU) official reports, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) official reports as well as official International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS) reports. Secondary sources used include journal articles, newspapers, books and other online publications. Among others, the study found out that humanitarian intervention in Sudan by the AU from 2004 until 2006 lacked the capacity and political will to effectively manage the conflict. At the same time, an analysis of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) military intervention in Libya in 2011 reveals that Western-led interventions in Africa are often driven by geostrategic interests rather than the need to save people in danger.
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    Terrorism as a contributory factor to state failure in Somalia: a case study of al-Shabaab.
    (University of Fort Hare, 2016) Ndlovu, Sitembiso Irene
    This study is an investigation of terrorism as a contributory factor to state failure in Somalia with specific reference to Al-Shabaab, using Huntington‟s Clash of Civilizations theory. It utilises both primary and secondary sources of data. The study found out that Somalia had been a failed state even before the birth of Al-Shabaab. However, the activities of Al-Shabaab perpetuated state failure in Somalia. These activities included bombings, small arms attacks, executions, siege, kidnappings, hijackings and looting. The study also found out that Al-Shabaab regularly conducted incursions in neighbouring countries and all these activities destabilised Somalia politically and perpetuated state failure. However, the study also found out that there were other factors that contributed to Somalia‟s state failure some of which were clan rivalry, civil war, warlordism, piracy, poverty and religion. Despite all these, the study noted that there were various actors involved in containing the terrorist activities of Al-Shabaab. These actors included the Transitional Federal Government, Kenya, the African Union, the United Nations and the United States. The study recommends that dialogue between the TFG, the clan structures and Al-Shabaab is the most viable path to sustainable peace in Somalia.
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    An investigation into instability in post-Gadhafi Libya, mali and Nigeria: a comparative theoretical approach.
    (University of Fort Hare, 2016) Chindoga, Melody
    Since the ousting of Gaddafi from power in 2011, Libya, Mali and Nigeria have experienced high levels of instability. An investigation into the causes of instability is employed in the study to gain insights into the major cause of conflict in post-Gaddafi Libya, Mali and Nigeria. The study considered instability as a consequence of a combination of existing exogenous and endogenous factors which were examined according to various theoretical lenses. A comparative theoretical analysis was used so as to interpret and analyse data. The analysis was subjected to theoretical scrutiny according to four mainstream International Relations theories namely; realism, critical theory, constructivism and the “clash of civilizations” hypothesis, in order to determine whether they could effectively explain post-Gaddafi violence and instability. The research findings revealed that the distinction between internal and external variables is artificial and the various causes cannot be exclusively differentiated from one other. The research also identified constructivism as the best possible explanation of instability in the particular context under investigation, through its recognition of the significance of normative as well as material elements, and the emphasis placed on the role of identity and ideas in shaping political actions.
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    Political Economy: POL 524, Degree Examinations November 2018
    (University of Fort Hare, 2018-11) Johnson, P.; Breakfast, N.
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    South African Government and Politics: POL 222, Supplentary Examinations January 2019
    (University of Fort Hare, 2019-01) Magure, B.; Ferim, V.
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    Selected Issues in Contemporary Politics: POL 124, Supplementary Examinations January 2019
    (University of Fort Hare, 2019-01) Johnson, P.; Ferim, V.
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    International Relations: POL 322, Supplementary Examinations January 2019
    (University of Fort Hare, 2019-01) Ferim, V.; Nganje, F.
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    African Politics: POL 311, Degree Examinations June 2023
    (University of Fort Hare, 2023-06) Ferim, V.; Ashu, G.
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    Nature and Scope of Political Science: POL 111, Degree Examinations June 2023
    (University of Fort Hare, 2023-06) Oususi, O.E.; Munhuweyi, K.T.
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    Epistemology and Research Methods in Political Science: POL 511, Honours Examinations June 2023
    (University of Fort Hare, 2023-06) Magure, B.; Matthews, S.
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    Introduction to Political Philosophy and Ideologies: POL 211, Degree Examinations June 2023
    (University of Fort Hare, 2023-06) Magure, B.; Ferim, V.
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    Comparative Politics: POL 513, Honours Examinations June 2023
    (University of Fort Hare, 2023-06) Ferim, V.; Amusan, L.
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    Nature and Scope of Political Science: POL 111, Supplementary Examinations July 2023
    (University of Fort Hare, 2023-07) Oususi, O.E.; Munhuweyi, K.T.
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    Selected Issues in Contemporary Politics: POL 124/E, Degree Examinations October/November 2024
    (University of Fort Hare, 2024-10) Munhuweyi, K.T.; Magure, B.
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    International Relations: POL 322, Supplementary Examinations November 2024
    (University of Fort Hare, 2024-11) Ferim, V.; Ashu, G.
    This supplementary examination paper for POL 322, "International Relations," is a 3-hour assessment worth 100 marks. Students are required to answer any three questions, with all questions carrying equal value (33.3 marks each). The paper covers various critical topics in international relations, including state power, humanitarian intervention, causes of war and peace, terrorism, and factors contributing to the infrequent violent conflicts between states. Question 1 asks students to discuss why military power remains a crucial indicator of state power in world politics, elaborating on five elements that contribute to a nation's power in international relations. Question 2 requires an elaboration on four reasons why the principle of humanitarian intervention remains controversial in world politics, while also explaining its continued importance. Question 3 prompts an explanation of the causes of war and peace using the three levels of analysis discussed in class, drawing from the premise of humanity's "sinful and avaricious nature." Question 4 focuses on terrorism, asking students to explain three causes of terrorism in contemporary international relations using Samuel Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations" thesis, and to elaborate on five reasons why it is difficult to eradicate terrorism. Question 5 discusses why violent conflicts between states are less frequent than internal conflicts, despite the absence of a central world government with enforcement powers, requiring students to provide four reasons with examples. The examination aims to assess students' comprehensive understanding of core theories, concepts, and contemporary issues in international relations.