Introduction to Africa: Shining a Light on the Dark Continent

by Charles Ray

Africa is on the threshold of a changing global environment, with intense competition between those who are part of the so-called Western, liberal, American-led global order and a range of states, illiberal to autocratic, who wish to supplant that order that has been in place since the end of World War II with one that is more to their liking. Living on the youngest continent, Africans find themselves courted by representatives of both blocs. Few understand the significance of this competition or, for that matter, Africa itself. Few know what to do with Africa’s abundant resources, human and natural, or how to help its nations address their problems.

The purpose of this book is to shine a light on the continent, its history, culture, and its future potential and impact on the world, and to foster better understanding of a place that has been neglected for far too long.

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2024

About the author

I've been writing since my teens. In addition to writing for several newspapers and magazines in the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa, I've written two books on leadership and a number of fiction works. I'm also a published poet, photographer, and artist. I write in several genres, reflecting my broad reading tastes. I spent 20 years in the army, retiring in 1982 and becoming a diplomat. I've worked in about 10 countries and traveled to about 30 more, mining each for material to write about.