Argues that governance has become an important concept in the politics of African development. In public discourse Africa's future is being shaped by a combination of external interventions backed by African elites who cooperate with the donors, whose understanding of the importance of 'good governance' they share. This book disentangles the analytical aspects of governance from its political and normative connotations. The 'African exception' the difference in 'development' between Africa and other regions of the South can be understood by analysis focusing upon the specific forms of governance played out in politics and economics. The perspective of neo-patrimonialism is crucial but not sufficient here. 188pp, UK. ASHGATE PUBLISHERS.

Some of the most far-reaching and innovative parliamentary reform is occurring in Africa. While these reforms are not yet widespread across the continent, parliaments in some African countries are asserting their independence as policymakers, as overseers of government and as the guardian of citizens rights and needs. This book presents recent reforms in selected African parliaments Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Benin, Zambia, Ethiopia, Liberia and Nigeria. It also presents cross-cutting innovations by African parliaments in fighting corruption, in providing development to constituents and in combatting climate change. 192pp, UK. ROUTLEDGE.

Offers in-depth analysis of parliamentary (legislature) development set in a historical context informed by Africa’s post 1990s democratic resurgence. In particular, it illustrates how African parliaments are caught between the twin processes of being part of the machinery of government while exercising the function of holding government accountable. The chapters are divided into three parts articulating: a) a contextual analysis of the broader socio-economic and political circumstances within which African Parliaments operate, b) the evolution of African parliamentary systems from colonialism to the present and c) the relationship between parliament and government (or legislature and executive) with particular reference to political accountability and oversight. 304pp, UK. PALGRAVE.

Looks at the five African countries that acted as the vanguards in creating the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) initiative: Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria. Examines their leadership structures, trends in political democratisation, and prospects of continued democratic stability. 280pp, SOUTH AFRICA. AFRICA INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The authors challenge dominant eurocentric paradigms and examine how American theories of democracy would fare in Africa. The authors also look at the hope for market economies. Index, bib, notes, 255pp, USA. AFRICANA HOMESTEAD LEGACY PUBLISHING, 0965330826

A realistic assessment of the issues relating to governance and institutional reform in Africa. The authors look at the development policies across Africa and their impact on democracy and the environment. Zambia, Namibia, Nigeria, Ghana and eastern and southern Africa as a whole are examined as case studies. Index, refs, tables, vi, 244pp, USA. KUMARIAN PRESS.

A study of Africa's current strides towards democracy, good governance and the interposition of the civil society in the process. The authors identify and delineates the phases of these processes and examine key theoretical and methodological issues of the governance project. Also includes analysis of hitherto neglected issues such as gender, pastoralism, ethnicity, constitutionalism, local governance, the economy and the African Union. Reviews six country case studies on progress so far: Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia and Ethiopia. 367pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

A collection of essays bringing together competing theories of civil society, with critical studies of the role of civil society in diverse situations and the way in which it has been promoted as the key to democratization. Includes one chapter looking at civil society and democracy in Africa. Index, notes, 279pp, UK. ROUTLEDGE, 0714684740

In this landmark five-volume work, constitutional democracy is portrayed as a metaphor of an edifice standing on many pillars: the rule of law, equality and justice, a market-orientated economy, and a democratic ethos. The edifice itself is constituted by a government freely elected by the popular majority, and limited in its powers by a supreme constitution with overriding legal powers. The study examines in broad theoretical terms the structures, institu-tions and organising principles of constitutional, democratic government. More specifically, it considers how constitutional democracy and other various forms of government have been applied in practice in Africa. By contrasting the virtues of constitutional democracy with the shortcomings of authoritarian rule, Ben Nwabwueze elucidates his thesis that there is no better system of rule than constitutional democracy to ensure viable governance of human society, and the realisation of human potential. The set comprises: Vol. 1. Structures, Powers and Organising Principles of Government, ISBN 9780294325, 440pp; Vol. 2. Constitutionalism, Authoritarianism and Statism, ISBN 9780294619, 412pp; Vol. 3. The Pillars Supporting Constitutional Democracy, ISBN 9780294740, 412pp; Vol. 4. Forms of Government, ISBN 9780294694, 469pp; Vol. 5. The Return of Africa to Constitutional Democracy, ISBN 9780295070, 330pp. SOLD AS A SET. 2092pp, NIGERIA. SPECTRUM BOOKS LTD.

A series of essays which look at the making of constitutions and the implementation of the law and democracy in Ethiopia, Uganda and South Africa. These three countries were used to illustrate the arguments since each had, during the 1990s, undergone extensive constitutional reviews. Notes, refs, 222pp, SOUTH AFRICA. AFRICA INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA.

This book explores the process by which constitutions and democratic institutions are constructed. Wing focuses on how innovative constitutional dialogues involving participation, negotiation, and recognition of groups previously excluded from political decision-making may be the key to a legitimate constitution. 272pp, UK. PALGRAVE.

Focusing on the politics of democratization in Africa, this new book details the strategic choices of the political elite, both incumbent and opposition within the context of transition politics. The decade between 1990 and 2000 saw a total of 78 top leadership elections, involving 43 of the 48 sub-Saharan African countries. Of these elections, only 27% led to regime change. Yet even when regime change occurred, authoritarianism persisted. This study explains and analyses this dual paradox of limited change of regime and persistent authoritarianism in the face of democratization. Its central thesis is that this eventuality is a function of the strategic environ-ment of political engagement, which was not reshaped fundamentally to enable the emergence of a new mode of politics. 224pp, UK. ROUTLEDGE.

The current momentum for decentralization of government in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world is driven in many instances by the needs and desires of donor organizations. This volume questions whether this sort of decentralization offers a significant pathway out of poverty and conflict in Africa. It addresses issues of poverty reduction in Uganda, Ghana, Malawi, and Tanzania and issues of conflict management in Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, and Rwanda. Conceptual weaknesses and problems of implementation are addressed, especially the limitations of donor-driven decentralization, in order to illustrate that decentralization is neither the ultimate answer nor a shortcut to the achievement of peace and development in Africa. Index, 260pp, NETHERLANDS. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Accountability is the cornerstone of good governance. Unless public officials can be held to account, then critical benefits associated with good governance, such as social justice, poverty reduction and development remain elusive. The impacts of non-responsive and unaccountable governance are perhaps most harshly felt by the citizens of Africa, where corruption and governance failures are broadly acknowledged as a principal obstacle to the achievement Over the past decade, a range of social accountability practices-such as participatory budgeting, independent budget analysis, participatory monitoring of public expenditure and citizen evalua-tion of public services have been experimented with in many Africa countries. Their outcomes and lessons have, thus far, received little attend and documentation. This volume aims to make a contribution towards filling this gap by describing and analysing a selection of social account-ability initiatives from seven Sub-Saharan countries. 264pp, USA. WORLD BANK PUBLICATIONS.

Since the end of the Cold War, Africa has witnessed a political rebirth and second liberation as decades of autocracy and dictatorship became gradually replaced by a new wave of democratization and plural political competition. This political rebirth has revived the Afro-optimism that accompanied the independence decade of the 1960s. This optimism, however, co-exists with protracted and deadly conflicts in many parts of the continent - from wars in Rwanda, Democ-ratic Republic of Congo and Somalia, to stalemate in democratic reform in Niger, Guinea and Cameroon, and democratic retraction in Uganda. This volume is an analysis of the democracy project in Africa. 264pp, UK. ADONIS & ABBEY.

An updated edition. Explores the influences of external forces, the roles of the state and civil society, and the varying trajectories of democratic consolidation and decay. Index, bib, x, 260pp, USA. LYNNE RIENNER.

Satu Riutta asks whether civic education initiatives - to which huge sums of donor funds and effort are devoted annually - actually promote political participation among the rural poor in nascent democracies. Does raising awareness about citizen rights and responsibilities increase participation? Are the effects of civic education greatest on collective or individual forms of participation? Do women respond differently than men? Drawing on a rich set of original data from villages in Tanzania and Zambia, Riutta casts new light on both the empowering effects and the limitations of civic education in the context of participatory development and democratization. The book explores the impact and limitations of civic education initiatives designed to promote political participation in nascent democracies. 224pp, USA. FIRSTFORUMPRESS.

Examines the interrelationship between governance and poverty alleviation in Africa and the impact of democratic reform on this relationship. Economic aid and other forms of financial assistance are progressively conditional on good governance. African states within the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) have recognized good governance as a precon-dition to development and have devised standards for economic and political governance. The contributors assess what progress, if any, Africa has made in addressing the need for the consolidation of democratic reform and the resolution of considerable developmental challeges. Index, bib, 304pp, UK. JAMES CURREY PUBLISHERS.

Eleven essays looking at key issues in contemporary African politics including intrastate conflict, corruption and the development of civil society, highlighting the challenges and evaluating the progress of political and economic change. Countries examined in detail include Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa and Nigeria. Index, bib, notes, tables, vi, 348pp, USA. LYNNE RIENNER.

Argues that after three consecutive waves of unsuccessful attempts to transplant democracy in postcolonial Africa, the ethnically-induced conflicts and the worsening sectarian crisis in many parts of the continent have resisted easy analysis by comparative empirical research. It is unlikely that future analysis along the path will illuminate the crisis of African democracy. This book delineates a vision that moves beyond the dominant research paradigm toward a new way of constructing a framework of analysis. It requires the avoidance of artificial differences among approaches by drawing simultaneously on normative political theory, analytical methods and comparative empirical research. This alternative approach develops a radically reconstructive view to a wide range of social and political issues. 200pp, USA. EDWIN MELLEN PRESS.

Argues that the celebrations that heralded democratic change in the 1990s in Africa have gradually faded into muffled cries of anger and attendant violence of despair. Almost everywhere on the continent so-called democratic leaders are openly subverting the peoples will and disregarding national constitutions. There is a crisis of honest, committed and democratic leadership, in spite of the influences of globalization and new, popular understandings of governance. 90pp, CAMEROON. LANGAA RPCIG.

While many emerging democracies successfully establish the institutional frameworks for multiparty politics, they often fare less well on issues such as their responsibility to protect all citizens. A comparative examination of party political developments in emerging regions may yield valuable insights and creative ideas for enhancing the impact and reach of political parties, thus consolidating vibrant participatory democracies. Chapter one considers Africa broadly, while successive chapters focus on the Iberian Peninsula, Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America. 132pp, SOUTH AFRICA. SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS.

A discussion of political and religious crisis in Africa, this book covers such topics as democratic transition, good governance, civil society and the African renaissance. Bongmba proposes humanistic interventions centred on the recovery of interpersonal relations and seeks to understand the ongoing struggles in Africa. 320pp, UK. PALGRAVE.

A study of Africa's multiparty elections reveals inherent institutional and systemic difficulties that raise questions about the electoral outcomes, so an assessment of electoral processes in Africa poses methodological, conceptual, and theoretical challenges to scholars and practitioners. The chapters of this volume address these issues through an examination of democratisation trends in Africa, with special focus on case studies on Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. 152pp, SOUTH AFRICA. AFRICA INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Based on the premise that ethnic pluralism will remain a fundamental characteristic of African modernity, the contributors ask how democracy can develop in multi cultural societies and which institutional models offer ways of ameliorating the challenge that ethnicity poses to nation building. Index, notes, xv, 336pp, UK. JAMES CURREY PUBLISHERS 0852558600

Contributors consider the aftermath, success, failure, and future of the wave of democracy that swept Africa in the early 1990s. In some countries, democratic movements flourished, while in others, democratic success was more circumscribed. This detailed analysis of key political events in countries at the forefront of democratic change, Benin, Central African Republic, Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, and Zambia, provides for broadly representative continental and linguistic coverage of directions and prospects for Africa's democracies. The contributors are Michael Chege, John F. Clark, Joshua B. Forrest, Abdourahmane Idrissa, Bruce Magnusson, Carrie Manning, Richard R. Marcus, Andreas Mehler, David J. Simon, Leonardo A. Villalón, and Peter VonDoepp. Index, 324pp, USA. INDIANA UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Explores the achievements and perils of democracy in Africa. Surveys the continent and highlights the demise of dictatorship, military regimes and single party rule. Argues for a democracy that will deliver material betterment, equality and upliftment, and concrete rights. 206pp, SENEGAL. CODESRIA.

Draws upon an in-depth analysis of three countries in Anglophone Africa: Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Kenya. Though these countries share similar institutions and electoral rules, opposition party develop-ment takes a different route in each. In addition to providing a unique window into the politics of mobilization and protest in closed political regimes, the book sheds light on how the choices of political elites affect organizational development. 270pp, UK. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Starting from a critical engagement with theories of decentralization and a review of social funds, this explores the value of funding local initiatives that are designed not only to support development activities but also to promote local democracy. Reviewing experiences from Africa (Zambia), Asia, Europe and Latin America, the book demonstrates how, at their most innovative, local funds can deliver development within the context of a rights based approach and as a critical component of democratic decentralization. Index, bib, tables, 228pp, UK. ITDG PUBLISHING.

Offers students and scholars a comprehensive and considered overview of the way in which the world is governed. It draws together 17 significant pieces by leading specialists in the field to explore the role of global institutions from the United Nations (UN) and NATO to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Introductions to each article locate the readings within the broader global governance literature and provide a useful intellectual and historical context. Index, 348pp, UK. ROUTLEDGE.

Papers presented at a regional conference, which sought to enhance the role of the social science disciplines in the evolving patterns and trends of democratic governance and economic management in the region; and, explore viable ways and means of capacity building of civil societies, and strengthening the role of civil society organisations in promoting good governance and serving as a link between governments and the public at large. 72pp, ETHIOPIA. OSSREA.

Major concepts and strategies to enhance good governance in Africa are presented, evaluated and analysed, and various national and local government case studies are included. The human rights situation is reviewed in relation to social and economic performance, and the implications for development cooperation are discussed. Also looks at strenghthening the systems of good governance with regard to resource use and environmental protection. Major initiatives by development and research institutions, as well as important African declarations and statements on the role of good governance are documented. Refs, xxix, 650pp, GERMANY. LIT VERLAG, 3825842150

The second volume of a critical examination of Ali Mazrui's contribution to academia, generated by a 2003 session of the Conference of the African Association of Political Science. This volume examines Mazrui's contributions to discussions of leadership in Africa (including Nyerere and Nkrumah); and governance (constitutional debates, the military, religion and economic development). Concludes with a look at Pan African solutions. Index, refs, vi, 473pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

Looking in the rear-view mirror almost a decade after the APRM was first conceived, this collection explores how this complex process has evolved from theory to practice in a variety of contexts. In a combination of case studies and transversal analysis, multiple voices from different African civil society actors - mainly analysts, activists and journalists - examine the process from their specialised perspective. The chapters tease out what can be learned about governance in Africa from these experiences, and the extent to which the APRM has changed the way that governments and civil society groups engage. 240pp, SOUTH AFRICA. FANELE.

Argues that the African renaissance of liberal democracy, culture and economic growth appears to be in tatters. Instead, sagging economic growth, backsliding on liberal democracy and increased regional and national tensions menace much of the continent. Financial and commodity volatility have emerged as critical elements for African governments to factor into political calculations - and as political legitimacy is tied directly to economic success, the fallout from the continent's economic crises translates into political fragility. Index, 306pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

The eleventh Leopold Sedar Senghor Lecture, originally presented 1n 2005, which calls for the enshrinement of democracy in Africa, where citizens are free to participate responsibly in decision-making on matters of common interest, and in ways that simply do not mimic externally induced notions or reflect unquestioningly the will of Heads of State. IN ENGLISH & FRENCH. 168pp, SENEGAL. CODESRIA.

Why are variations in the extent of legislative authority and performance across the continent only partially related, if at all, to the overall level of democratization? And if democratization is not the prime determinant of legislative authority, what is? Exploring the constraints that have retarded the develop-ment and power of legislatures across Africa - and how members of some legislatures are breaking free of those constraints - the authors shed new light on the impact of the legislative branch on the political process in six emerging African democracies. 277pp, USA. LYNNE RIENNER.

The institutional forms and processes of democracy are spreading in Africa as dictatorial regimes have been forced to give way. But democratic form and democratic substance are two different things. Western-derived institutional forms are neither necessarily the most appropriate nor the most practical in the current African context, and rooting democratic norms in African political cultures raises socio-cultural questions. This book draws on the experiences of particular African elections and countries to explore the continuing impact of police state apparatuses; the factors influencing voters' attitudes and behaviour; the impact of incumbency on electoral competition; women's participation; and the lack of choice in party programmes. The fundamental issue is whether democratic processes as currently practiced in Africa are really making any difference. Case studies from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, the Congo, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Index, bib, tables, 240pp, UK. ZED BOOKS.

A comprehensive study on the utility of research on governance, based on interviews in Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Tanzania, Thailand and Togo. The authors demonstrate that the perceptions of governance by local stakeholders are realistic indicators of the nature and quality of a political regime. BNS, 265pp, USA. LYNNE RIENNER, 1588262677

This study analyses the effects of democratic transition in two African countries - Cameroon and South Africa on chiefs and the institution of chieftainship. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, ith explores the cultural and sociopolitical conditions that enabled chiefs to reinvent themselves in the new era of democratic politics despite their status as old political actors. It explores the kinds of legitimacies claimed by chiefs in the new era and the responses of their subjects to such claims, particularly with respect to chiefs involvement in national politics. 140pp, CAMEROON. LANGAA RPCIG.

Policing is crucial to how Africans experience the freedoms of democracy and determines to a large degree the levels of economic investment they will enjoy. Yet it is a neglected area of study. Based on field research, this book reveals the surprising variety of people involved in policing besides the state police. Indeed many Africans are faced with a wide choice of public and private, legal and illegal, effective and ineffective policing. How people negotiate this multi-choice of policing options, and the implications of this for government and donor security policy, is the subject of this book and it includes two case studies of Uganda and Sierra Leone. Index, bib, 227pp, SWEDEN. NORDIC AFRICA INSTITUTE.

A mixture of analytical ideas and views on the transition to democratic governance in Africa. Specific emphasis is given to the struggles of Africans, since independence, to provide themselves with accountable, participatory and democratic governance structures and resource allocation systems that guarantee economic freedom and enhance entrepreneurship and wealth creation. Index, 393pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

An examination of fresh evidence relating to planning, conflict meditation and public decision making processes in civil society, bringing together a multi-disciplinary team of practitioners and scholars from North America, Europe, Africa and Australia. 282pp, UK. ASHGATE PUBLISHERS, 0754618528

Part of the CODESRIA book series, these thirteen papers contribute to the study of the rural peasant movement and their effect on African society and politics. Case studies of rural peasant organisations in Nigeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Kenya, Senegal, Tunisia and Zimbabwe are presented to show the effects of progressive and retrogressive struggles and armed rebellions on African civil society. Notes, refs, app, 365pp, SENEGAL. CODESRIA.

This overview publication on governance in Africa is the outcome of the collaborative Centre for Governance in Africa, a partnership between IDASA and the Norwegian Fredskorpset (Volunteer Service). Together, the two organisations facilitate an exchange programme for researchers in Africa, and expose professionals working in governance to political processes in different countries on the continent. They are developing a collaboration framework for African-based democracy and governance centres. 108pp, SOUTH AFRICA. IDASA.

Provides strategies that Africans can use to deepen democracy, improve resources allocation and enhance their ability to coexist peacefully. BNS, 400pp, USA. GREENWOOD PRESS.

A report of the regional conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (6th 8th November 2000). The papers presented are collected here and describe the current political and societal situation in Botswana, the Sudan, Lesotho, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia. vii, 121pp, ETHIOPIA. OSSREA.

This work draws on research from 47 Commonwealth countries including the Caribbean, Africa and the Pacific region. It describes what makes a good society and how to achieve it and shows how citizens can be put at the heart of the political process. Index, refs, notes, app, diags, tables, 214pp, UK. EARTHSCAN.

Case studies that attempt to build a consolidated body of knowledge on social accountability efforts across the continent. While most research focuses on the role of citizens and civil society organisations in promoting accountability, this book places a greater emphasis on joint state-civil society initiatives. 234pp, SOUTH AFRICA. IDASA.

Contributors to the volume discuss the issues central to any investigation of African politics, including: constitutionalism, democratization and the media, ethnicity, the place of traditional political institutions and the politics of current electoral processes. With a focus on the socio-political context for democratic governance, contributors to the second section of the book examine pressing problems such as healthcare and social welfare policies, women's positioning in democratic changes, the role of NGOs and the globalization dilemma. Case studies include Kenya, South Africa, Liberia, and Nigeria. 416pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

CONTENTS: Bringing the Sultan Back In: Elders as Peacemakers in Ethiopia's Somali Region - T. Hagmann; The Ambivalent Role of Chiefs: Rural Decentralization Initiatives in Malawi - A.L. Chiweza; Chiefs, Policing, and Vigilantes: Cleaning Up the Caprivi Borderland of Namibia - W.Zeller; The Legible Space between State and Community: State Recognition of Traditional Authority in Mozambique - L.Buur & H.M.Kyed; Traditional Chieftaincy, Party Politics and Political Violence in Burkina Faso - S.Hagberg; From Pastoral to State Politics: Traditional Authorities in Northern Somalia - M. Höhne; Traditional Authority: Accountability and Govern-ance in Zimbabwe - E.Mapedza; Now We Are a Town: Chiefs, Investors and the State in Zambia's Western Province - W. Zeller. 272pp, UK. PALGRAVE.

An examination of the relationship between grassroots political institutions and the new structures of African state creation, based on papers presented at the International Conference on Indigenous Political Structures and Governance in Africa, held in 2001 at the University of Ibadan. Examines the implications of rapidly changing indigenous structures for the shifting contours of power relations in colonial and postcolonial African states and societies in the context of colonialism, social change, communal identities and modernity. 330pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

Africa represents the next frontier of the trans-national politics of democratisation. Recent efforts to promote human rights and democracy have yielded a mixed record of success. A comparison of regime change in Kenya and Uganda reveals how principled interventions have unintentional adverse effects on the democratic reform process. Persistent external efforts compromise the independence of domestic allies and strengthen those resisting democratic reforms. Domestic activists must carefully weigh the short-term benefits of trans-national support against the harm it may cause. 240pp, UK. PALGRAVE.

New in paperback. Radical changes have taken place in Africa since 1990. What are the realities of these changes? What significant differences have emerged between African countries? What is the future for democracy in the continent? The editors have chosen eleven key countries to stimulate discussion among students: Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Burundi. Tables, figs, 235pp, UK. JAMES CURREY PUBLISHERS.

Argues that effective and inspiring leadership at all levels is the key to positive social and political change in Africa. With a foreword by John Githongo and contributions from 18 thinkers and commentators on social change in Africa, including Chinua Achebe, Wangui wa Goro, William Gumede, Parselelo Kantai and Ali A. Mazrui, this anthology is a call to action for leaders in all walks of life to build towards Africas renaissance with confidence and unity. 291pp, UK. THE BRITISH COUNCIL.

2007 9780863555862 Paperback

Africa has witnessed a number of transitions to democracy in recent years. Coinciding with this upsurge in democratic transitions there also have been spectacular experiences of social disintegration. An alternative to discourses of the 'failed' and 'collapsed' state in Africa is an approach that takes seriously the complexity of historical processes, on which the political development of individual nation states was based. The chapters in this volume throw light on the ways in which violence, political culture and development have interacted in recent African history. They run in a continuum from discussions of 'warlord politics' to an understanding of the 'new wars' in Africa as outcomes of fundamental changes in social solidarity. Wars and violent conflicts in Africa can thus be understood as responses to economic emergencies and political problems which are real, have histories, and can be engaged with constructively through both intellectual and practical efforts. Index, 208pp, UK. JAMES CURREY PUBLISHERS.

Neo-liberalism promised to correct distortions in the African postcolonial environment. It pledged to engineer liberalisation and expand the democratic space through competitive multiparty elections. But, several decades down the line, Professor Issa Shivji aptly asks, 'Where is uhuru?' Where is freedom and independence? Index, 248pp, UK. PAMBAZUKA (formerly FAHAMU).