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Politics in Africa: A New Introduction
Author(s): Nana Poku (Author), Anna Mdee (Author)
- Publisher: Zed Books (UK)
- Publication Date: 9 Jun. 2011
- Edition: Illustrated
- Language: English
- Print length: 160 pages
- ISBN-10: 1842779818
- ISBN-13: 9781842779811
Book Description
How did things go so wrong? Why has the continent lagged behind others in economic development despite its potential natural resources? Why are so many African states prone to conflict? And why has democracy been slow to take root in a majority of the countries? Covering everything from African economies to the role of the state, rural livelihoods to issues of gender, ‘Politics in Africa’ offers a fresh perspective in answering these questions, making the continent’s problems more understandable, less wretched and even intensely hopeful.
Up-to-date, concise and provocative, this is indispensable reading for anyone interested in African politics.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Deserves a prominent place on reading lists in politics, development studies, modern history and interdisciplinary African studies, where it will provide a lucid and challenging introduction to some central debates.” —Justin Pearce, International Affairs Journal
“‘I highly recommend this book as an insightful and well referenced commentary on key issues in our modern African society, and its colonial and post-Independence history. It will be of great value to Africans and non-Africans alike, with an interest in how politics shapes our lives.” —Kenneth Kaunda, former President of Zambia
“A superb introduction to some of the most critical political challenges facing Africa today. It offers a clear and coherent discussion of the complexities of, and linkages between, Africa’s past and present. An excellent addition to our understanding of African society.” —Pascoal Mocumbi, former Prime Minister of Mozambique
“A lucid introduction to the political dilemmas facing contemporary Africa.” —Patrick Chabal, King’s College London
“There is a surprising amount packed into the pages of this short book. Weighing colonial legacies in the scale against post-colonial exigencies, the authors manage to serve up an account that is fresh, provocative and eminently readable. It provides an excellent starting point for anyone in search of a better understanding of contemporary Africa.” —Paul Nugent, University of Edinburgh
About the Author
Nana K. Poku is executive director of the Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD) at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, and was formerly the John Ferguson Professor of African studies at the University of Bradford.
NANA POKU is Lecturer of Politics at the University of Southampton and a UN researcher.
Anna Mdee is a research fellow with the Chronic Poverty Advisory Network (CPAN) at the Overseas Development Institute, and visiting professor of development studies at Mzumbe University, Tanzania. She was previously a senior lecturer in development studies at the University of Bradford.
