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African Politics: A Very Short Introduction

Ian Taylor

September 2018

ISBN: 9780198806578

168 pages
Paperback
174x111mm

In Stock

Very Short Introductions

Price: £8.99

Ian Taylor explores contemporary African politics in all its diversity, revealing how state and society actually functions beyond the formal institutional façade. He examines why questions of underdevelopment, outside exploitation, misrule, and weak state structures are characteristic of so many Sub-Saharan states in particular.

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Description

Ian Taylor explores contemporary African politics in all its diversity, revealing how state and society actually functions beyond the formal institutional façade. He examines why questions of underdevelopment, outside exploitation, misrule, and weak state structures are characteristic of so many Sub-Saharan states in particular.

  • Introduces African politics, providing an overview of the different states and their systems
  • Explores the contemporary and historical influences on African politics, such as colonialism
  • Explains how regional identity often dominates politics in Africa
  • Considers democracy and political reform in Africa, and the role of women in African politics
  • Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over nine million copies sold worldwide

About the Author(s)

Ian Taylor, Professor in International Relations and African Political Economy at the University of St Andrews

Ian Taylor has published numerous books on African politics and international relations.As well as being Professor in International Relations and African Political Economy at the University of St Andrews he is Chair Professor in the School of International Studies, Renmin University of China, and Professor Extraordinary in Political Science at the University of Stellenbosch. He previously taught African politics and development subjects at the University of Botswana and has also taught at the University of Addis Ababa and Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda. He has conducted research in and/or visited 41 African countries.

Table of Contents

    1.:Introduction to Africa and its politics
    2.:Pre-colonial political systems and colonialism
    3.:The transfer of power and the colonial legacy
    4.:The primacy of paronage politics
    5.:Women in African politics
    6.:The role of identity in politics
    7.:The military and politics
    8.:Democracy and political reform
    9.:Africa's international relations
    References
    Further reading
    Index

Reviews

"This book masterfully presents compelling arguments in narratives sensitive to history, time, and space. It effectively integrates complicated storylines with serious concerns about democracy, governance, institutions, and leadership, while assertively foregrounding the end goal of politics: people, peace, and prosperity." - Toyin Falola, Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities

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