African Institutions: Challenges to Political, Social, and Economic Foundations of Africa's Development

Mazrui, Ali A.; Wiafe-Amoako, Francis

ISBN 10: 1442239530 / ISBN 13: 9781442239531

Published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2015

May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1442239530I4N00

Synopsis:

Every political system, either developed or adopted, has an impact on the structure of society and the level of development. This book analyzes the evolution and nature of political institutions and their effect on Africa’s development. The challenges Africa face in developing viable institutions are not limited to the adoption of foreign institutions, but are also rooted in domestic norms that define society itself. Sometimes, these challenges have to do with the incompatibility between foreign and domestic institutions. The fundamental issue then is to understand the African societies, cultures, and other dynamics that have ensured stability in the past and that need to be recognized when adopting contemporary foreign institutions.

This comprehensive text examines three key issue areas in Africa: politics, society, and economy. It demonstrates how the lack of consideration for domestic norms and societal realities explain the weaker institutions and lack of development on the African continent. The chapters examine critical issues such as gender, ethnicity and constitution development, legitimacy and the state, the correlation between abundant resources and instability, the dilemmas of political dynasties, international economic regimes and Africa’s economy, and more. Featuring many case studies, including Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Morocco, Togo, DRC, Ethiopia, Rwanda, the book provides some explanation of underdevelopment in Africa, linking the historical and colonial realities that hinder democratic consolidation to contemporary African politics, society and economy.

About the Author: Francis Wiafe-Amoako is an instructor in International relations and security, international development, comparative politics and African politics at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University in Canada. His research focuses on migration and security issues, conflict management and post-conflict stability, institutional design, and the democratization process in Africa. He is also the Director of The Center for Sustained Domestic Security and Development (CESDOSED). The Center’s main goal is the development of unique and viable institutions for stability and development in Africa.

Bibliographic Details

Title: African Institutions: Challenges to ...
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication Date: 2015
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket