Date of Award

5-1-2024

Language

English

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

College/School/Department

Department of Philosophy

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Jonathan Mandle

Committee Members

Kristen Hessler

Keywords

Beloved community, Democratic Republic of Congo, Leadership, Martin Luther King Jr., Nonviolence, Tribalism

Subject Categories

Educational Leadership

Abstract

The ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo has its origins in several socio-political and economic events, including colonization, dictatorship, institutionalized corruption, misuse of authority for personal interest, illicit trade of mineral resources, and tribalism. In addition to armed conflicts, there are violent crimes, such as armed robbery and armed home invasion, as well as the failure of the country’s leadership to unite the people and promote the dignity of its citizens, all of which have reached a critical level ( Kama Funzi, p.146). The Democratic Republic of Congo seems to be a country in misery, but it is a “beggar sitting on a mountain of gold” (Kama Funzi, p.5). Additionally, Congo is one of the potentially rich nations in Africa but since the so-called independence, it has never had a good model of leadership or a government that functions correctly for the common good. Liberty, equality, peace, and solidarity are still among the unrealized dreams of the Congolese. In this thesis, I argue that Martin Luther King Jr.’s model of leadership and social protest can meet these challenges and provide a perspective to respond effectively to the situation. To show this, I will first expound on King’s philosophy of leadership; then, after briefly reviewing the history and contemporary situation in Congo, I will discuss why his theory is applicable there. Our concern can be summarized in these questions: What kind of leader was King? What was his vision? What method did he adopt to accomplish his goal? What is the theory of leadership that originates from King’s political philosophy? Why, how, and to what extent is King’s view suitable for Congo? In response to these questions, I will argue that Martin Luther King Jr’s leadership and advocacy of nonviolent protest, with its principles of love, integrity (Shelby & Terry, 2018, p.128), and integration creates the basis for a model of leadership suitable to the Congo’s situation. King was committed to the promotion of social justice and human dignity and was a protagonist of ethical servant leadership theory. This view is ethical because it is about transparent inspiration rather than manipulation, and it posits a leader who aims not at the empowerment of him or herself but of the people. Following this approach, I believe that leadership is not about power, but the empowerment of others; it is not control, but the capacity to serve others; and it is not about manipulation, but inspiration, all in the service of social justice and human dignity. Thus, I will demonstrate that King’s ethical servant leadership approach can serve as the basis for a positive response to the political crisis in Congo.

Download

Share

COinS