From Divided Pasts to Cohesive Futures
Reflections on Africa

Offers an insightful yet readable study of the paths - and challenges - to social cohesion in Africa, by experienced historians, economists and political scientists.

Hiroyuki Hino (Edited by), Arnim Langer (Edited by), John Lonsdale (Edited by), Frances Stewart (Edited by)

9781108476607, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 August 2019

466 pages, 15 b/w illus. 15 tables
23.5 x 15.7 x 2.9 cm, 0.8 kg

'This book … argues optimistically that Africa, thanks to reductions in inequality and devolved state power over the years, can overcome ethnicity-fueled differences and prosper.' R. I. Rotberg, Choice

Today, the cohesion of multi-ethnic societies is at risk across the globe. Throughout history, to the present day, African countries have been facing this challenge. Historical inequalities and social division undermine cohesion and sow seeds of instability. How can Africa build a future where ethnic and other differences are a strength, a driver of growth and development, rather than sources of division and instability? Drawing together historians, economists and political scientists, each an authority on Africa, this book delivers a comprehensive study of that question through an exploration of the continent's divided histories, to understand where Africans stand now, and to reflect on how they might now work towards a more trusting society. Numerous case studies, statistical expositions and theoretical reflections bring conceptual clarity to the often poorly understood processes and contexts of social cohesion, not only in Africa, but across the developing and developed world.

Introduction: understanding processes of change in social cohesion: learning from comparative history Hiroyuki Hino, Arnim Langer, John Lonsdale and Frances Stewart
Part I. Social Cohesion in Africa: Case Studies of Past and Present: 1. Kenya's four ages of ethnicity John Lonsdale
2. Better elections, more deaths: Nigeria Abdul Raufu Mustapha
3. Ethnicity, citizenry, and nation building in Tanzania Benno Ndulu, Emma Hunter and Wilfred E. Mbowe
4. Identity, inequality, and social contestation in the post-Apartheid South Africa Hiroyuki Hino, Murray Leibbrandt, Ratjomose Machema, Muna Shifa and Crain Soudien
5. Ethnicity, development, and social cohesion in Africa: overview Bruce J. Berman and Motoki Takahashi
Part II. Policies and institutions for social cohesion: 6. Redressing inequalities in societies: growth with equity Frances Stewart
7. Vertical and horizontal decentralization for equity and stability Gustav Ranis
8. Land reform: strengthening customary rights under community management Kojo Sebastian Amanor
9. Protecting education from ethnic politics Eric Kramon and Daniel N. Posner
10. Building social cohesion through education in Africa? Lessons from Côte d'Ivoire and Kenya Line Kuppens and Arnim Langer
11. Remaking Cape Town: memory politics, land restitution, and social cohesion in District Six Ciraj Rassool
12. Key ingredients of inclusive politics Abdul Raufu Mustapha
Part III. Conclusions and Policy Recommendations: 13. National cohesion in Africa: Beyond ethnicity and ethnic communities Ernest Aryeetey and Ama de-Graft Aikins
14. From divided pasts to cohesive futures in Africa: conclusions and policy recommendations Arnim Langer and John Lonsdale.

Subject Areas: Development economics & emerging economies [KCM], International economics [KCL], Economic growth [KCG], African history [HBJH]