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Description
In this fully revised edition top scholars in African politics address the effects that major currents in Africa and world politics have upon each other and explore the ramifications of this interconnection for contemporary theories of international and comparative politics.
The fourth edition focuses on issues of reforming and strengthening states and their economies in sub-Saharan Africa. The nation-state as we know it is a legacy of European rule in Africa, and the primacy of the nation-state remains a bedrock of most contemporary theories of international relations. Yet in the fifth decade of Africa’s independence, this colonial inheritance has been profoundly affected by both state weakness and prospects for real economic and political reform, by continuing marginalization globally but also evolving new relationships with the world community. The fourth edition includes new readings on the AIDS crisis in Africa, the regional war on terrorism, and Africa’s growing economic engagement with China. The book remains an invaluable resource for students of African and world politics.
About the Authors
John W. Harbeson is professor of political science in the Graduate School and at City College of the City University of New York.
The late Donald Rothchild was professor of political science at the University of California at Davis until his passing in January 2007.
Praise for the fourth edition:
"This book will serve as the starting point for those seeking a comprehensive and topical guide to the most critical developments on the continent. The contributions are up-to-date, extensively researched, and written by pre-eminent scholars. This edition has been carefully updated and covers emerging themes such as the AIDS crisis, the impact of the war on terrorism, and China’s markedly increased role on the continent. It will be welcomed by students of African international relations and politics."
—Terrence Lyons, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
"The fourth edition of Africa in World Politics: Reforming Political Order is the latest iteration of a highly successful book that has chronicled major issues on the continent. This volume features a notable set of scholars and practitioners who examine some of the most important issues facing Africa, including democratization, globalization, AIDs, and terrorism. The authors draw attention to the recent good news from Africa but realistically account for the many challenges that remain. Africa in World Politics is a fitting tribute to Don Rothchild, reflecting his deep and broad interests in Africa.
—Jeffrey Herbst, Provost, Miami University
"This fourth edition highlights anew the complexities of African international affairs. A worthy tribute to its co-editor, the late Donald Rothchild, the volume's chapters, crafted by eminent and experienced authorities, explore every strata of influence and change in contemporary Africa's engagement with the world. It offers insights on the post Cold War dynamics of state building, democracy, conflict, alliances and terrorism as shaped by domestic groups, national and foreign governments, NGOs, and intergovernmental agencies ranging from the AU and NEPAD to the World Bank and the UN. No important question is unaddressed."
—Raymond F. Hopkins, Swarthmore College
Praise for previous editions:
"This broadly comprehensive and insightful set of essays on Africa’s foreign relations will be a useful text for teaching and a source of challenging ideas for the general reader."
—William Foltz, Yale University
"In this book, extremely knowledgeable scholars look to Africa’s future by analyzing its past and present. They thoughtfully explore African interstate and international relations, security, and political economy concerns in the post-cold war world, providing a comprehensive and provocative book that is essential reading for all who are interested in Africa."
—Henry Bienen, Princeton University
Part 1 Introduction
Ch. 1 Intimations of an African Renaissance, New Gains, Long Term Challenges—John W. Harbeson, City University of New York
Part 2 Historical Parameters
Ch. 2 The Heritage of Colonialism—Crawford Young, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ch. 3 Africa and the World Political Economy: Still Caught Between a Rock and Hard Place—Thomas M. Callaghy, University of Pennsylvania
Ch. 4 Africa and Other Civilizations: Conquest and Counter Conquest—Ali A. Mazrui, SUNY Binghamton
Part 3 Africa's States and State Systems: Reinvention and Reconstruction
Ch. 5 Democratization and Africa’s Weak States—John W. Harbeson, City University of New York
Ch. 6 The AIDS Crisis: International Relations and Governance—Alan Whiteside, University of Kwa Zulu-Natal, and Anokhi Parikh, Overseas Development Institute
Ch. 7 In Pursuit of Authority: Civil Society and Rights Based Discourses—Aili Mari Tripp, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ch. 8 The Privatization of Africa’s International Relations—William Reno, Northwestern University
Ch. 9 Inter-African Negotiations and Reforming Political Order—I. William Zartman, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies
Part 4 Global Involvement in Africa: Parameters of Commitment, Obligation, Capability and Responsibility
Ch. 10 US Role in Promoting Peaceful African Relations—Donald Rothchild, University of California-Davis
Ch. 11 China’s Engagement in Africa: Scope, Significance, and Consequences—Denis M. Tull
Ch. 12 Euro-Africans Relations in the Age of Maturity—Gilbert M. Khadiagala, University of Witwatersrand
Ch. 13 The War on Terrorism in Africa—Princeton N. Lyman, Council on Foreign Relations
Ch. 14 Reconciling Sovereignty with Responsibility—Francis M. Deng, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies
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