This up-to-date introduction to contemporary African politics focuses on states as well as citizens across the continent, looking at politics from above and below. It examines why we should know about African politics; the evolution of African states; people, identity and power; the practice of power; the range of regimes in Africa; the economic dimensions of African politics; the shifting landscape of conflict and security; and African politics in international relations. Using an abundance of data and illustrative examples, the authors highlight the contributions of African experiences to the broader knowledge of comparative politics and international relations. The straightforward, accessible style makes the book suitable for the general reader interested in current affairs. But the book will also serve as an essential text and a long-term resource for students and scholars alike.

Poor even by the standards of West Africa, Burkina Faso has been plagued by political instability since independence from France in 1960. It has suffered five military coups, the last of which cost the life of Thomas Sankara, who had waged war on poverty, corruption and illiteracy. Yet Burkina Faso's growth was surprisingly strong during the 1980s,

Poor even by the standards of West Africa and landlocked at the edge of the Sahel, Burkina Faso-the "Land of Men of Dignity"-has been plagued by political instability since independence from France in 1960. The country has suffered five military coups, the last of which cost the life of the outspoken and charismatic leader Thomas Sankara, who had waged war on poverty, corruption, and illiteracy. Yet Burkina's growth was surprisingly strong during the 1980s, as it made the best of its meager assets in cotton, gold, and livestock. The country is also fortunate in its relative lack of ethnic conflict, and the several religions practiced-Islam, Christianity, and animism- peacefully coexist. Burkina has earned mixed reviews on the international stage, however, fighting two wars with Mali and supporting Taylor's rebels in the Liberian civil war. In this textured introduction to Burkina Faso, Pierre Englebert highlights the historical and contemporary factors that account for the country's instability; considers the ethnic, religious, and social contours of the Burkinabe polity; examines in depth the country's economic policies and prospects; and analyzes Burkina's external relations. Looking toward the next millennium, he concludes by assessing the chances of the apparent recent drive toward a more democratic system.

Secessionism perseveres as a complex political phenomenon in Africa, yet often a more in-depth analysis is overshadowed by the aspirational simplicity of pursuing a new state. Using historical and contemporary approaches, this edited volume offers the most exhaustive collection of empirical studies of African secessionism to date. The respected expert contributors put salient and lesser known cases into comparative perspective, covering Biafra, Katanga, Eritrea and South Sudan alongside Barotseland, Cabinda, and the Comoros, among others. Suggesting that African secessionism can be understood through the categories of aspiration, grievance, performance, and disenchantment, the book's analytical framework promises to be a building block for future studies of the topic.

The second edition of Inside African Politics, updated throughout to reflect political developments across the continent, not only provides thorough coverage of the full range of core topics, but also furthers an awareness and understanding of key theoretical issues and current debates. Drawing on their extensive teaching and fieldwork experience, the authors offer: A straightforward, accessible style, making even complex ideas easy to understand A balanced approach, exposing multiple perspectives on contested issues A focus on both states and citizens, politics from above and below Discussions of existing policies, as well as policy implications of different approaches An abundance of rich data and illustrative examples The result is both an essential text and a long-term resource for students and scholars alike.

Secessionism perseveres as a complex political phenomenon in Africa, yet often a more in-depth analysis is overshadowed by the aspirational simplicity of pursuing a new state. Using historical and contemporary approaches, this edited volume offers the most exhaustive collection of empirical studies of African secessionism to date. The respected expert contributors put salient and lesser known cases into comparative perspective, covering Biafra, Katanga, Eritrea and South Sudan alongside Barotseland, Cabinda, and the Comoros, among others. Suggesting that African secessionism can be understood through the categories of aspiration, grievance, performance, and disenchantment, the book's analytical framework promises to be a building block for future studies of the topic.

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ++++ The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to ensure edition identification: ++++ Tractatus De Exutoriorum Delectu ... Pierre Englebert Wauters Carolum de Goesin, 1801

Though the demise of one or another African state has been heralded for nearly five decades, the map of the continent remains virtually unchanged. By and large, these states are judged failures. And yet they endure. Pierre Englebert asks: why do these oppressive and exploitative, yet otherwise ineffective, structures remain broadly unchallenged? Why do Africans themselves, who have received little in the way of security, basic welfare, or development, continue to embrace their states and display surprising levels of nationalist fervor? He finds his answer in the benefits that sovereign weak states offer to Africa's regional and national elites - and to those who depend on them.Englebert carefully articulates the manner in which international sovereignty is translated into domestic legal command - and the sorrow that ensues. He also offers some corrective 'policy fantasies'. Effectively combining theory, cross-national quantitative methods, and case studies, his book reveals a pattern of reproduction of a predatory, dysfunctional state in which human integrity is sacrificed to its territorial counterpart.

Though the demise of one or another African state has been heralded for nearly five decades, the map of the continent remains virtually unchanged. By and large, these states are judged failures. And yet they endure. Pierre Englebert asks: why do these oppressive and exploitative, yet otherwise ineffective, structures remain broadly unchallenged? Why do Africans themselves, who have received little in the way of security, basic welfare, or development, continue to embrace their states and display surprising levels of nationalist fervor? He finds his answer in the benefits that sovereign weak states offer to Africa's regional and national elites - and to those who depend on them.Englebert carefully articulates the manner in which international sovereignty is translated into domestic legal command - and the sorrow that ensues. He also offers some corrective 'policy fantasies'. Effectively combining theory, cross-national quantitative methods, and case studies, his book reveals a pattern of reproduction of a predatory, dysfunctional state in which human integrity is sacrificed to its territorial counterpart.