Liberia, the oldest African republic, has a complex political history shaped by the intersection of colonial legacies, ethnic divisions, and internal conflicts.
From its establishment in 1847 by freed African-American slaves, Liberia has seen a series of political challenges that highlight the tension between exclusivity and inclusivity, as well as adversarial politics.
Over time, these dynamics have had a profound impact on the country’s geopolitical standing, both within Africa and on the international stage. This article explores how adversary politics and inclusivity can contribute to the development of Liberia’s geopolitical system.
Drawing from the works of Sir-George S. Tengbeh, Liberia’s political history, and the teachings of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, we will argue that adversary politics, when coupled with a genuine pursuit of inclusivity, can enhance democratic governance, reduce ethnic tensions, and improve Liberia’s regional and global diplomacy.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒊𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂’𝒔 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎
Founded as a haven for freed slaves, Liberia’s political system was initially dominated by the Americo-Liberian elite, a small group of settlers who held disproportionate power over the indigenous majority. This political system was exclusive, with limited input from the indigenous population, sowing the seeds for future conflict.
According to Tengbeh’s research, Liberia’s exclusionary practices and lack of political inclusivity during the early years of its formation laid the foundation for political instability and civil strife (Tengbeh, GS, 2024).
The Liberian Civil War, which lasted from 1989 to 2003, was partly fueled by this historical exclusion. Warlords and political factions vied for power, often exploiting ethnic differences to gain political and military advantage.
These adversarial politics contributed to Liberia’s instability and weakened its geopolitical position in West Africa. However, the civil war also opened the door for calls for inclusivity and democratic reforms.
As the country emerged from conflict, there was a growing recognition that long-term peace and stability could only be achieved through political inclusivity.
𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒊𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂
Adversary politics is defined by the competitive engagement between opposing political forces. In a healthy political system, adversarial politics can foster democratic debate, accountability, and better governance. However, when adversary politics becomes deeply polarized, it can lead to gridlock, social division, and conflict.
In the case of Liberia, adversarial politics has often been characterized by the latter, with political elites using exclusionary practices to maintain power.
During Liberia’s post-war reconstruction period, the challenge was how to shift from a politics of exclusion and adversary-driven conflict to one that encourages healthy competition while fostering inclusivity. As Tengbeh argues, “Adversary politics in Liberia has been more destructive than constructive.
The competition between political elites often ignores the need for collaboration and inclusivity, leading to political instability” (Tengbeh, GS, 2024, p. 4). Liberia’s experience with adversary politics is not unique, but it has been particularly detrimental due to the country’s history of marginalization and exclusion. Political parties and factions have often mobilized along ethnic and regional lines, creating divisions that undermine national unity.
However, adversary politics can play a constructive role in Liberia’s geopolitical development if it is balanced with efforts to promote inclusivity.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒊𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂
Inclusivity, in the political context, refers to the active involvement of diverse groups in governance and decision-making processes. In Liberia, this means ensuring that all ethnic groups, political factions, and social classes have a stake in the political system.
Inclusivity is not just a moral imperative; it is a practical necessity for sustainable peace and development. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the revolutionary leader and first President of Ghana, championed the idea of political inclusivity across Africa.
Nkrumah’s vision for Africa was one of unity, where all voices were heard, and the continent’s diverse peoples were brought together in pursuit of common goals.
In his speeches and writings, Nkrumah emphasized that “no single group or class can claim to speak for the whole. Unity in diversity is the foundation of our strength as a continent” (Nkrumah, 1961). While Nkrumah’s ideas were directed at African unity, they are equally relevant to the national context of Liberia.
Liberia’s post-war governments have made strides toward inclusivity. The 2005 election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female head of state, was a landmark moment in the country’s political history.
Sirleaf’s administration sought to rebuild the country by promoting inclusivity, particularly through the empowerment of women and marginalized groups.
However, challenges remain, as political exclusion persists in various forms, particularly regarding the representation of indigenous groups in political decision-making.
Tengbeh’s research supports the notion that inclusivity is essential for long-term peace and stability in Liberia. He argues that “the exclusion of indigenous voices from the political process has been one of the primary drivers of conflict in Liberia.
For the country to achieve sustainable development, all groups must be represented and have a stake in governance” (Tengbeh, GS, 2024, p. 5).
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚
While adversary politics and inclusivity may seem at odds, they can, in fact, complement each other. A robust political system requires a degree of competition between opposing viewpoints to ensure accountability and innovation.
However, for adversary politics to be constructive rather than destructive, it must be grounded in a framework of inclusivity. When all groups feel represented and have a stake in the political process, adversarial competition is more likely to produce positive outcomes.
In the context of Liberia, this means fostering a political environment where opposing parties and factions can engage in healthy competition without resorting to violence or exclusionary practices. It also means ensuring that all ethnic and social groups are represented in political institutions.
As Nkrumah observed, “true democracy is not just the rule of the majority; it is the protection of the rights of the minority” (Nkrumah, 1961).
This principle is crucial for Liberia, where ethnic and regional divisions have historically been exploited for political gain. The current political landscape in Liberia reflects both progress and challenges in achieving this balance.
While recent elections have been more inclusive than in the past, there is still a need for greater political reforms to ensure that adversary politics does not revert to the exclusionary practices of the past.
As Tengbeh notes, “Liberia’s political system remains fragile. To build a more stable and prosperous future, the country must continue to promote inclusivity while encouraging healthy political competition” (Tengbeh, 2024, p. 4).
𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑳𝒊𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂’𝒔 𝑮𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈
The interplay between adversary politics and inclusivity has significant implications for Liberia’s geopolitical development. Internally, a more inclusive political system can help reduce ethnic tensions, promote national unity, and foster sustainable development.
Externally, a stable and inclusive Liberia is better positioned to engage with regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), as well as international institutions such as the United Nations.
Liberia’s geopolitical influence in West Africa and beyond has historically been limited by its internal divisions and conflicts.
However, as the country continues to stabilize, there is potential for Liberia to play a more active role in regional diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts.
Inclusivity will be key to this process, as a united Liberia will be better able to project its interests on the global stage.
Let me conclude by saying, Adversary politics and inclusivity are both essential elements of a functioning democracy. In Liberia, where political exclusion and conflict have been recurrent themes, these concepts are particularly important.
By fostering inclusivity and encouraging healthy political competition, Liberia can build a more stable and prosperous future.
As Dr. Kwame Nkrumah emphasized, true democracy requires the participation and representation of all groups, not just the majority. Liberia’s geopolitical development depends on its ability to balance adversary politics with a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens have a stake in the country’s future.
𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨
Nkrumah, K. (1961). Africa Must Unite. London: Heinemann.
Tengbeh, G. S. (2024).
Political Inclusion and the Prospects for Sustainable Peace in Liberia. Monrovia: University of Liberia Press.