International law and the history of resource extraction in Africa: capital accumulation and underdevelopment, 1450–1918.

This article discusses a book titled "International law and the history of resource extraction in Africa: capital accumulation and underdevelopment, 1450–1918" by George Forji Amin. The book explores the role of international law in the economic stagnation of Africa through a historical account of resource extraction. It examines themes such as Third World approaches, postcolonialism, imperialism, property rights, historical materialism, and slavery. The author argues that international law has been used as a tool by European colonizers and investors to extract and own properties in Africa. The book also discusses the Berlin Conference of the mid-1880s, which legalized African territory and natural resources. While the book has some shortcomings, it offers insights into the relationship between international law and Africa and contributes to the growing critical accounts of international law historiography from non-western perspectives. It will be of interest to international historians and scholars interested in Africa. [Extracted from the article]