Politics in Africa: A New Introduction by Nana K. Poku (English) Paperback Book

The Nile on eBay   Politics in Africa by Nana K. Poku, Anna Mdee

A concise, accessible overview of the main issues in contemporary African politics.

FORMATPaperback LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

Democracy, prosperity and self-rule, this was the vision of African independence. Across the continent, however, the 'optimism' that characterized the immediate post-independence period has largely faded. Meanwhile, ordinary Africans lurch between undemocratic, unaccountable and unresponsive governments and a decaying traditional African past. 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.

Notes

An up-to-date, comprehensive textbook on African politics, from a respected author with teaching and policy experience. Presents an African-centred, rather than a western view of politics in on continent.

Author Biography

Nana K. Poku is the John Ferguson Professor of African Studies at the University of Bradford. He joined the University's Peace Studies Department in 2006 from the United Nations where he held the posts of Senior Policy Advisor to the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and also Director of Research for the United Nation's Secretary General's Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance in Africa (UN-CHGA). He currently serves as a Special Advisor to the Government of Ghana on PRSP and Health issues and has led 14 appraisal mission in 11 countries in Africa. He has also been an advisor to the European Union, the World Bank, the OECD, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Development Program, among other international agencies. Anna Mdee is Deputy Director of the John & Elnora Ferguson Centre for Africa Studies (JEFCAS) and also Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning) in the School of Social & International Studies at the University of Bradford. Her research has focussed on aid policy, civil society and community-driven development in East & Southern Africa. She is currently working on developing strategic partnerships with African Universities to build long-term initiatives for strengthening development research and teaching.

Table of Contents

* Introduction*1. Colonialism, Racism and African Resistance*2. Instabilities, Adjustment and Renewal*3. Food Insecure and Vulnerable: The Politics of African Rural Livelihoods*4. Big Men & Little Women - The Politics of Gender in Africa*5. More than HIV/AIDS: the politics of health in Africa* Conclusion: An African Renaissance

Review

'A lucid introduction to the political dilemmas facing contemporary Africa.' - Professor 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.' - Professor Paul Nugent, University of Edinburgh '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 '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

Long Description

Democracy, prosperity and self-rule, this was the vision of African independence. Across the continent, however, the 'optimism' that characterized the immediate post-independence period has largely faded. Meanwhile, ordinary Africans lurch between undemocratic, unaccountable and unresponsive governments and a decaying traditional African past.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.

Review Quote

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.

Promotional "Headline"

A concise, accessible overview of the main issues in contemporary African politics.

Details ISBN1842779826 Author Anna Mdee ISBN-10 1842779826 ISBN-13 9781842779828 Format Paperback Imprint Zed Books Ltd Subtitle A New Introduction Place of Publication London Country of Publication United Kingdom DEWEY 320.46 Year 2011 Publication Date 2011-06-09 Media Book Pages 160 Illustrations Illustrations Short Title POLITICS IN AFRICA Language English UK Release Date 2011-06-09 Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC NZ Release Date 2011-06-09 AU Release Date 2011-06-08 We've got this

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