The Politics Of Africa S Economic Stagnation

Study of economic development, politics and steady state economy in Africa - discusses the disappointments of independence, democracy and the economic recession; explains the failure of capitalism and the post- colonialism economic implications; looks at political systems and the negative impact of personal rule (political leadership) in institutional framework, the economy (incl. Black market) and defence dependence; presents prospects and recommendations. Bibliography, map, statistical tables.

Sundaram notes that over three decades of economic stagnation, contraction and increased poverty have taken a huge toll on Africa's economic, social and political fabric; and pro-active efforts are urgently required in order to build new capacities and c

The waning of the Cold War means that major political powers no longer feel compelled to support African authoritarianism. Revised official consensus holds that, in Africa as elsewhere, political reform must accompany economic adjustment. According to this view, African recovery requires a reduction in the size and economic role of monopolistic and inefficient states, and their transformation into accountable liberal democracies. Is this a desirable and practicable political programme? Certainly, all over Africa the number of liberal democracies is growing. But can they survive and are they compatible with renewed economic growth? Richard Sandbrook answers these questions, and assesses the feasibility of the new political programme in reinforcing Africa's economic recovery. He argues that the programme has merit in the short term, but, in the longer term, a more self-reliant, state-directed approach should be adopted to ensure prosperity and durable democracy in the region.

Study, comparison of poverty in Africa, especially in urban areas, and development policy options - based on a description of income distribution and economic disparities, dependence with regard to industrialization and technological change, etc, argues for economic development based on basic needs; reviews obstacles to such development, and considers future political behaviour on the part of the working class likely to bring it about. References, statistical tables.

It is a truism that many African countries face a three-pronged tribulation--political tyranny; failed capitalist development; and violent domestic conflict. The relationship between effective democratic institutions, successful development and civil peace is less clear. This book analyzes the experience with democratization of a carefully selected sample of countries: Ghana, Mali, and Niger in West Africa; Zambia, Tanzania, and Madagascar in East Africa; and Sudan.

Extant research continues to perpetuate a myth of Sub-Saharan African countries (SSACs) as ever stuck in the past and with incurable growth maladies. However, during the years just before the great global recession some of these countries performed better than countries in other regions. What explains this turnaround? How can it be ignited everywhere in the region and made to stick? The Political Economy of Economic Performance is among a few competitors that celebrate the successes of the region and argue for the positive economics of performance of at least some countries. Organized around two themes which are pursued in six chapters, the book provides a comprehensive, balanced, and thorough analysis of the factors and forces behind the unusually good performance of SSACs just before the great global recession, and shows that there is a way forward for them. The book makes a significant contribution to both policy and research, because while its structure is scholarly and logical, with a writing style that is coherent and easily understandable to all interested readers worldwide.

Matt Houngnikpo examines how domestic conflict, economic stagnation, political instability, poverty and underdevelopment have plagued Africa for decades. He argues that a reversal of the political, economic and social plight of Africa lies in better policies, good governance, and, more importantly, a new type of African leader and citizen.