The 'Emerging Africa' narrative is marked by perceptions and policy interactions around Africa which are no longer informed by violence and corruption but by the opportunities associated with the continent, due to remarkable transformations at the continental and global level over the past decade. The continent is the new frontier, a global frontline for an increasing number of players and also for students of international relations. In this special issue, specialists drawn from different disciplinary and regional backgrounds address a range of critical transitions facing Africa. Two broad scenarios are discussed: the intensification of Africa's international integration as a provider of commodities, and, alternatively, the renaissance of the continent due to innovative trajectories that transcend past constraints and gain traction as the latest expression of the of the term 'emerging powers'.
