African States since Independence : Order, Development, and Democracy / David D. Laitin, Darin Christensen.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Christensen, Darin, Author.

Laitin, David D., Author.

Series:

Castle lectures in ethics, politics, and economics.

Castle Lecture Series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Democratization--Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Democratization.

Africa, Sub-Saharan--Politics and government--1960-.

Africa, Sub-Saharan.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (416 pages).

Place of Publication:

New Haven, CT : Yale University Press, [2019]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

Authors Christensen and Laitin argue that an interplay of geographic, historical, and demographic factors undergird sub-Saharan states' post-independence struggles to eradicate poverty, establish democratic accountability, and quell civil unrest. They set out the founding fathers' challenges in transforming their postcolonial states, many of which are ethnically diverse, geographically diffuse, sparsely populated, and lacking in administrative capacity. With the legacies of the slave trade, partition, Christian missionaries, and extractive colonial institutions complicating their efforts, many African states faced stagnation, authoritarianism, and civil strife. Recent years have seen promising attempts to restore democracy to states under authoritarian rule and to liberalize their economies, suggesting that the region is moving toward a new era. Relying on the best statistical data and richly illustrated with case material, this book is an indispensable source for scholars and policy analysts seeking to understand Africa's post-independence political trajectories.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Figures

Tables

Preface

Region & Country Codes

Introduction

Part I. From Great Expectations to Unfulfilled Dreams

Part II. Geographic & Historical Constraints

Part III. Post-Independence Policies

Part IV. Toward a New Era?

References

Index of Authors

General Index

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 06. Apr 2020)

ISBN:

9780300244946

0300244940

OCLC:

1099434815