Africa in Chaos - Hardcover

George B. N. Ayittey

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312164009 ISBN 13: 9780312164003

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 1997-12, 1997

Synopsis

Explores the effect of colonial European government systems on Africa's economic and political situation at the end of the twentieth century

About this title

Review:

Ghanaian-born economics professor George B.N. Ayittey takes a hard, unsentimental look at the continuing economic, cultural, and political downfall of African countries. While Africa is the world's second-largest continent, containing 770 million people and much of the world's natural resources, he contends that the postcolonial African nations cannot reconcile what he calls "the two Africas," one traditional and one modern (or "Western"). That split, he says, wreaks havoc on the African people, and he comes down hard on "the elites, the parasitic minority group [that operates] by an assortment of imported or borrowed institutions." Africa in Chaos examines the collapse of Nigeria's civilian-led democracy, as well as the anarchy in Liberia, the former Zaire, and Sierra Leone, outlining the suicidal quest for power that hinders Africa's growth. Ayittey, unlike many Afrocentric apologists, does not lay all of the blame for Africa's predicament on the West, but he does insist that solid, long-term investment from Europe and America is needed to lift the motherland out of its mire. His "Ten Commandments for African Intellectuals," intended to lead the way to success, include calls for an embrace of the African past, a relationship with the private sector, and consistent freedom of expression. --Eugene Holley Jr.

From the Publisher:

Praise for Africa in Chaos:

"George Ayittey's robust, provocative Africa in Chaos is typical of the vigorous torrent of scholarship and journalism that has begun to rethink Africa." --The New York Times

"Mr. Ayittey knows Africa well, has thought about it hard and has written a brave and reflective book." --The Wall Street Journal

"Ayittey sees Africa honestly...this book is 'must' reading." --The Chicago Tribune

"This book is crucial for anyone seeking an understanding of Africa's condition, and anyone who has a genuine interest in finding solutions. Read it now, before it's too late." --The Washington Times

About this edition

• Publisher: St. Martin's Press 1997-12
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0312164009
• ISBN 13: 9780312164003
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 416