Rethinking Africanism through Frantz Fanon: Victimhood, State Fragility and the Dynamics of Ideological Appropriation

The concept of Africanism, once a potent expression of cultural identity, political autonomy, and collective solidarity, has come under increasing strain in the era of globalization and the New World Order. This article examines how Africanism has been systematically hijacked, exposing the continent to cultural commodification, political misrepresentation, and economic exploitation. Central to this analysis is the precarity and fragility of postcolonial African states, which amplify vulnerabilities and create opportunities for external forces to manipulate African identity. Drawing on Fanonian postcolonial theory, neo-colonialism theory, and globalization theory, the study situates Africanism within historical and contemporary contexts, tracing its evolution from precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial periods. Contemporary case studies illustrate the mechanisms of hijacking, including the influence of multinational corporations, international financial institutions, and global media, particularly in fragile state environments. The article also highlights pathways for reclaiming authentic Africanism, emphasizing decolonization of knowledge, cultural renaissance, PanAfricanist strategies, and the strengthening of state institutions and civil society. By linking Fanon’s insights to current African realities, the study illuminates the intersections of victimhood, state fragility, and global manipulation, offering both analytical depth and normative guidance for advancing African emancipation in the twenty-first century.