Perspectives from Cameroon, South Africa and West Africa

Atlantic Future Interview Report,  nº. 4

This paper studies how selected experts from West Africa, Cameroon and South Africa assess the potential of an emerging Atlantic space. Covering representatives from various sectors in society, the analysed interviews reveal how divergence and convergence is perceived in terms of economics, institutions, energy and security. The findings reveal a very cautious approach to the idea of an Atlantic space. The priorities of political imaginations appear to be centred on national interests and on the rise of Asia in the global order, leaving very little excitement for a project with regions that are either seen as dominant (Europe and North America) or unknown (South America). The strengthening of an Atlantic identity and of a potential Pan-Atlantic institution will therefore require a decided change of perception among the targeted actors in West Africa, Cameroon and South Africa towards the other Atlantic regions.