Politics in Africa: A New Introduction

Democracy, prosperity and self-rule, this was the vision of African independence. Across the continent, however, the 'optimism' that characterized the immediate post-independence period has largely faded. Meanwhile, ordinary Africans lurch between undemocratic, unaccountable and unresponsive governments and a decaying traditional African past.

How did things go so wrong? Why has the continent lagged behind others in economic development despite its potential natural resources? Why are so man...