The nature of the interaction between Africa and external actors has been complicated, misunderstood and misinterpreted in the past and present. By looking at three important eras in global politics, in which Africa has attracted significant attention from external actors, this book examines the approaches and responses witnessed during these periods and their consequences. These periods include the Colonial, the Cold War, and the post-cold war eras. The findings help to understand whether there has been a change in approach by external actors towards Africa and whether the continent has shifted its strategies when dealing with the latter.