Africa in World Politics

Reforming Political Order
by John W Harbeson, Donald Rothchild

Jul 28, 2008
Paperback
US $42.00
CAN $53.50
UK £24.99
ISBN: 9780813343648
ISBN-10: 081334364X
Published by Westview Press

 

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.

Reviews


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 the 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

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