African States since Independence: Order, Development, and Democracy (Castle Lectures Series) (Castle Lecture Series)

Christensen, Darin

ISBN 10: 0300226616 / ISBN 13: 9780300226614

Published by Yale University Press, 2019

About this Item

2019. Illustrated. hardcover. . . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9780300226614

Bibliographic Details

• Title: African States since Independence: Order, Development, and Democracy (Castle Lectures Series) (Castle Lecture Series)
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication Date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0300226616
• ISBN 13: 9780300226614
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

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.

About the Author

Darin Christensen is assistant professor of public policy and political science at the University of California, Los Angeles. David D. Laitin is the James T. Watkins IV and Elise V. Watkins Professor of Political Science at Stanford University.