Authoritarian Origins of Democratic Party Systems in Africa

This book investigates why seemingly similar African countries developed very different forms of democratic party systems.

Rachel Beatty Riedl (Author)

9781107045040, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 February 2014

286 pages, 22 b/w illus. 28 tables
23.6 x 16 x 2.5 cm, 0.58 kg

'There is much to commend about Riedl's work - recognized in awards by two sections of the American Political Science Association - including her careful situation of her research in the broader literatures on parties and regime change, her close examination of the nature of authoritarian strategies and transitions in her four disparate cases, and the logical and convincing unfolding of her argument.' Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz, African Affairs

Why have seemingly similar African countries developed very different forms of democratic party systems? Despite virtually ubiquitous conditions that are assumed to be challenging to democracy - low levels of economic development, high ethnic heterogeneity, and weak state capacity - nearly two dozen African countries have maintained democratic competition since the early 1990s. Yet the forms of party system competition vary greatly: from highly stable, nationally organized, well-institutionalized party systems to incredibly volatile, particularistic parties in systems with low institutionalization. To explain their divergent development, Rachel Beatty Riedl points to earlier authoritarian strategies to consolidate support and maintain power. The initial stages of democratic opening provide an opportunity for authoritarian incumbents to attempt to shape the rules of the new multiparty system in their own interests, but their power to do so depends on the extent of local support built up over time.

1. A theory of party system variation
2. Variations in party system institutionalization in Africa
3. Competing explanations: from colonial rule to new democratic institutions
4. Modes of authoritarian power
5. Authoritarian power and transition control
6. The emergence and endurance of the multiparty system
7. Africa and beyond: party systems in new democracies.

Subject Areas: Political control & freedoms [JPV], Regional government [JPR], Central government [JPQ], Political structure & processes [JPH], Political ideologies [JPF], Comparative politics [JPB], Political science & theory [JPA]