Michael Neocosmos Knihy

The book delves into the xenophobic violence that erupted in South Africa in May 2008, resulting in numerous deaths and widespread displacement. It explores xenophobia as a political discourse rooted in the historical struggle for citizenship over the past fifty years. The narrative connects the de-nationalization of migrant labor during apartheid to post-apartheid nationalism, highlighting how state policies based on indigeneity fostered exclusion. It argues that the passivity of urban populations, once empowered by human rights activism, allowed xenophobic sentiments to flourish unchecked in a post-colonial context.

The book explores the complexities of governance in neocolonial African states, highlighting how these governments employ varied modes of rule across different population segments. It contrasts democratic practices, influenced by Western ideals, with colonial-style domination experienced by the majority. The text critiques the selective application of human rights within civil society while revealing the neglect of these rights in uncivil and traditional societies. This disparity complicates the formation of a unified anti-neocolonial resistance, as diverse political subjectivities emerge from these differing experiences.

Exploring the concept of emancipatory politics in Africa, the book examines its role as a "displaced exception" within both political theory and practice. It critiques how state subjectivities often reinforce existing social hierarchies. Drawing on Frantz Fanon's call to reject Eurocentric perspectives, it advocates for a reconnection with dialectical thought to foster innovation and progress. By emphasizing the need for new concepts and discoveries, the work seeks to inspire a transformative approach to political engagement in the African context.