Africa since Decolonization
The History and Politics of a Diverse Continent

An introduction to African history and politics since decolonization, emphasising the political, economic and socio-economic diversity of the continent.

Martin Welz (Author)

9781108465564, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 January 2021

320 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 2.1 cm, 0.57 kg

'A useful introduction for the teaching of African Studies. The volume therefore is a welcome addition to this category, 'written in a spirit of promoting dialogue'' Henning Melber, Africa Spectrum

Home to more than 1.2 billion people, living in 54 recognized states, speaking around 3,000 languages, Africa is a diverse and complex continent made up of states which differ in regard to their colonial history, political system, socio-economic development, economic polices and their experience with crises and conflicts. This introduction and overview of African history and politics since decolonization emphasises throughout, the diversity of the continent. Organised thematically to include chapters on decolonization and its legacies, external influences, economics, political systems, inter-African relations, crises, conflicts and conflict management, and Africa's external relations, Martin Welz strikes a fine balance between the use of contextual information, analysis, case studies and examples with theoretical debates in development, politics and global policy. Accessible to students at all levels, it counters histories which offer reductive explanations of complex issues, and offers new insights into the role African actors have played in influencing international affairs beyond the continent.

1. From the Golden Age to Conquest and Colonization
2. Liberation and Decolonization
3. Decolonization's Legacies
4. External Influences
5. Africa's Economy, 1960–2000
6. Economy, Socio-Economic Development, and Development Cooperation
7. States, Political Systems, and Actors
8. Intra-African Cooperation and Integration
9. Political Crises
10. Large-Scale Conflicts
11. International Conflict Management
12. African Actors Role in International Politics
Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Geopolitics [JPSL], Regional government policies [JPRB], Political structure & processes [JPH], Political science & theory [JPA], Colonialism & imperialism [HBTQ], General & world history [HBG]