This seminal volume explores the most important dimensions of state formation and erosion, social conflict, and the gains and setbacks in democratization in contemporary Africa. The results of nearly a decade of research, reflection, and collegial interaction, the collection delineates the dominant patterns of political restructuring since the upheavals of the early 1990s.
Richard Joseph is John Evans Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University. His numerous publications include Democracy and Prebendal Politics in Nigeria: The Rise and Fall of the Second Republic.
"For both the student new to the subject and the seasoned scholar, this book will prove a stimulating guide."—
Robert Pinkney, Modern African Studies
"An extremely valuable collection.... While timeliness often is a problem with African topics, this text's uniformly high quality and attention to long-term effects negates this possibility. Highly recommended for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for scholars and practitioners."—Choice
