UCLA

This thesis presents a new narrative of Pan-Africanism's historical evolution, highlighting the formation and endurance of factionalism within the movement. Through a detailed textual analysis of key figures, it delineates two distinct phases: the "first wave" (1900-1945), characterized by W.E.B. Du Bois’s intellectualist faction and Marcus Garvey's activist faction; and the "second wave" (1945-1980), marked by Kwame Nkrumah's idealist faction and Julius Nyerere's gradualist faction. In examining these two waves, I reveal that the factionalism that was once productive has become increasingly restrictive over the movement’s history.I then identify a "third wave" beginning in 1980, coinciding with the decline of independence movements. I argue that this phase amalgamates the preceding dichotomies, ushering in a new era of intellectual activism and idealistic gradualism. Contrary to the notion that Pan-Africanism lost momentum post-Apartheid, I argue for the movement's ongoing transformation into a more populist and people-centric phenomenon. Emphasizing polycentrism, segmentation, and integrated networks, I assert that these features are crucial for the Pan-African movement's relevance in addressing contemporary African realities. My analysis incorporates a comprehensive discussion of globalization's effects and the intricacies of post-colonial politics, providing a broader context for understanding Pan-Africanism's resilience and continual adaptation. The thesis illustrates the potential of a participatory and inclusive Pan-African movement that bridges the intellectual-activist divide, urging future research to focus on grassroots participants to fully comprehend its current dynamics and potential trajectory.