Political Development and the New Realism in Sub-Saharan Africa

Political Development and the New Realism in Sub-Saharan Africa PDF

Author: David Ernest Apter

Publisher: University of Virginia Press

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 9780813914794

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Since the 1950s David Apter and Carl Rosenberg have been among the leading American scholars in African Studies. In this volume they, along with other major specialists in the field, explore the new configurations of African politics. With tentative efforts at a revival of democracy now taking place, it seems appropriate to reasses the theoretical debates ad empirical themes that have characterized postwar Sub-Saharan African politics. Focusing on "new realism" that has emerged among Africanists since the dismantling of colonial rule, the essays are presented as a corrective both to the initial euphoria informing African studies and to the later tendency to place blame for all Africa's political and economic difficulties on the receding specter of colonial oppression.

Political Opposition and Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Political Opposition and Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa PDF

Author: Elliott Green

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-04-08

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13: 1134933126

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This book takes a closer look at the role and meaning of political opposition for the development of democracy across sub-Saharan Africa. Why is room for political opposition in most cases so severely limited? Under what circumstances has the political opposition been able to establish itself in a legitimate role in African politics? To answer these questions this edited volume focuses on the institutional settings, the nature and dynamics within and between political parties, and the relationship between the citizens and political parties. It is found that regional devolution and federalist structures enable political opposition to organize and gain local power, as a supplement to influence at the central level. Generally, however, opposition parties are lacking in organization and institutionalization, as well as in their ability to find support in civil society and promote the issues that voters find most important. Overall, strong executive powers, unchecked by democratic institutions, in combination with deferential values and fear of conflict, undermine legitimate opposition activity. This book was originally published as a special issue of Democratization.

African Feminism

African Feminism PDF

Author: Gwendolyn Mikell

Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Published: 2010-08-03

Total Pages: 378

ISBN-13: 0812200772

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African feminism, this landmark volume demonstrates, differs radically from the Western forms of feminism with which we have become familiar since the 1960s. African feminists are not, by and large, concerned with issues such as female control over reproduction or variation and choice within human sexuality, nor with debates about essentialism, the female body, or the discourse of patriarchy. The feminism that is slowly emerging in Africa is distinctly heterosexual, pronatal, and concerned with "bread, butter, and power" issues. Contributors present case studies of ten African states, demonstrating that—as they fight for access to land, for the right to own property, for control of food distribution, for living wages and safe working conditions, for health care, and for election reform—African women are creating a powerful and specifically African feminism.

The Politics and Policies of Sub-Saharan Africa

The Politics and Policies of Sub-Saharan Africa PDF

Author: Robert A. Dibie

Publisher: University Press of America

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 382

ISBN-13: 9780761820949

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This book attempts to correct the impression created by Western media that Sub-Saharan Africa is in a state of anarchy. The text analyzes and shows that while many Sub-Saharan African nations are experiencing the worst time of their history, others are enjoying their best times. Thus, the text argues that although some parts of Africa are experiencing crisis, the continent is also a fine region of major new experiments in governance, peace building and free market transformation programs. Finally, the text focuses some of its analyses on the colonial legacy, economic and ethnic transformation, indigenous institutions and other forces that seem to influence the governance of Sub-Saharan African nations.

Routledge Handbook of African Politics

Routledge Handbook of African Politics PDF

Author: Nic Cheeseman

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-07-05

Total Pages: 595

ISBN-13: 1351550470

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Providing a comprehensive and cutting edge examination of this important continent, Routledge Handbook of African Politics surveys the key debates and controversies, dealing with each of the major issues to be found in Africa?s politics today. Structured into 6 broad areas, the handbook features over 30 contributions focused around:The State Identity Conflict Democracy and Electoral Politics Political Economy & Development International Relations Each chapter deals with a specific topic, providing an overview of the main arguments and theories and explaining the empirical evidence that they are based on, drawing on high-profile cases such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The Handbook also contains new contributions on a wide range of topical issues, including terrorism, the growing influence of China, civil war, and transitional justice, making it required reading for non-specialists and experts alike. Featuring both established scholars and emerging researchers, this is a vital resource for all students of African Studies, democratization, conflict resolution and Third World politics.

Issues in the Contemporary Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa

Issues in the Contemporary Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa PDF

Author: G. Harrison

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2002-06-19

Total Pages: 190

ISBN-13: 0230502822

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Graham Harrison investigates contemporary African politics by privileging the dynamics of political struggle and resistance. Through the analysis of peasant politics, debt and structural adjustment, democratization and identity politics, the author shows the importance of resistance and agency. Detailed studies of Mozambique, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso demonstrate how political organization and resistance have been closely ingrained in particular post-colonial trajectories. An original and refreshing approach to the study of African politics, this will be a useful textbook for upper level undergraduates and postgraduate students.