"I say that I represent this movement because my intellectual allegiances are clearly European, not African"

This quote by J. M. Coetzee is referring to the intellectual motion of postmodernism. Coetzee is stating that he identifies with this movement since his intellectual allegiances are rooted in European idea, rather than African thought. This could be analyzed as Coetzee's way of stating that he is more influenced by European culture and concepts than African culture and ideas. This could also be seen as a way of Coetzee expressing his belief that European idea is superior to African idea. Coetzee's statement might also be seen as a method of distancing himself from African culture and ideas, as he is highlighting his European roots. Ultimately, this quote is a reflection of Coetzee's own individual beliefs and values, and how he determines himself in relation to the intellectual motion of postmodernism.