The Betrayal of Africa (Groundwork Guides, 6) - Hardcover

Caplan, Gerald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0888998244 ISBN 13: 9780888998248

Publisher: Groundwood Books, 2008

Synopsis

In the wealthy West, it's assumed that Africa is the problem and we are the solution. This timely book argues the opposite. Though couched in benevolent terms, Western policies in fact have for decades helped fuel the continent's devastating decline. Every year, far more of Africa's riches flow out to the rich world than we plough into Africa. In this systematic process of exploitation, explains author Gerald Caplan, first-world leaders work in happy harmony with African despots to wreak havoc on their nations and peoples. The Betrayal of Africa explains its historical background, the contemporary situation, and how a conflation of elements — China's bold new presence in Africa, an active and angry civil society demanding government reform, and fresh leadership — is creating the possibility for positive change. Using simple, lucid language, the book helps Western readers understand what they can do to remedy a complex, increasingly dire situation that affects us all.

About this title

Review:

". . .this title offers a concise, exploratory look. . . Caplan isn't afraid to delve into complexities, get personal and opinionated, and assign blame. . . His writing is well sourced and largely effective. . . This is ideal for classroom use. . ." -- Booklist

"The Betrayal of Africa presents a concise but comprehensive overview of its subject. . . Gerald Caplan is passionate about his subject and is highly convincing in advancing his argument. . . an excellent supplemental resource. Clearly drawn line maps, charts of statistical content, timelines of dates and events, and short reports on such topics as AIDS in Africa and the Rwandan Genocide all add to the book's value and provide readily-accessible content to student readers. Yet another valuable addition to the 'Groundwood Guides' series. Highly recommended." -- CM Magazine

"A must read for students, scholars, educators and anyone else who cares about the human family, our interconnectedness and our interdependence. Gerry Caplan cuts through the myths, stereotypes, and platitudes to give both a thoughtful and thought provoking look at Africa, its history, its many peoples, and its role--often as pawn--in world politics. His book details the interference, the indifference, and the utter contempt--often under the guise of 'doing good'--that has defined how the world continues to betray Africa." -- Barbara Coloroso, educator and author, Extraordinary Evil, A Brief History of Genocide...and Why It Matters

From Booklist:

As with other Groundwork Guides, this title offers a concise, exploratory look into a high-interest, controversial, and multifaceted topic. Here, Caplan presents a quick summary of how the legacy of many Western policies—the multipronged attack of slavery, colonialism, state-making, and resource-plundering—along with disastrous internal corruption and tyranny have relegated most of sub-Saharan Africa to its seemingly perpetual state of underdevelopment, famine, and genocide. Don’t mistake brevity for simplicity, though. Caplan isn’t afraid to delve into complexities, get personal and opinionated, and assign blame: the fact is that we in the West are deeply complicit in every crisis bedeviling Africa . . . and betraying its people. His writing is well sourced and largely effective, communicating a wealth of information about Africa’s severe problems and providing an occasional beacon of hope. This is ideal for classroom use, as a discussion-starter, or simply an eye-opening introduction to some of the world’s greatest mass tragedies. It makes clear just how sad it is that betrayal is likely the nicest word that could have been used in the title. Grades 9-12. --Ian Chipman

About this edition

• Publisher: Groundwood Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0888998244
• ISBN 13: 9780888998248
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 144