Africa's Long Road Since Independence

Africa's Long Road Since Independence

Author: Keith Somerville

Publisher: Penguin Press

Published: 2017-01-26

Total Pages: 496

ISBN-13: 9780141984094

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'A superb book...genuinely innovative' Jack Spence OBE, King's College London Over the last half century, sub-Saharan Africa has not had one history, but many. Histories that have intertwined, converged and diverged. They have involved a continuing process of decolonization and state-building, conflict, economic problems but also progress and the perpetual interplay of structure and agency. This new view of those histories looks in particular at the relationship between territorial, economic, political and societal structures and human agency in the complex and sometimes confusing development of an independent Africa. The story starts well before the granting of independence to Ghana in 1957, but the book also looks at Africa in the closing decades of the old millennium and opening ones of the new. This is a book, too, about the history of the peoples of Africa and their struggle for economic development against the global economic straitjacket into which they were strapped by colonial rule and decolonisation. The importance of imposed or inherited structures, whether the global capitalist system, of which Africa is a subordinate part, or the artificial and often inappropriate state borders and political systems is discussed in the light of the exercise of agency by African peoples, political movements and leaders.


Book Synopsis Africa's Long Road Since Independence by : Keith Somerville

Download or read book Africa's Long Road Since Independence written by Keith Somerville and published by Penguin Press. This book was released on 2017-01-26 with total page 496 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'A superb book...genuinely innovative' Jack Spence OBE, King's College London Over the last half century, sub-Saharan Africa has not had one history, but many. Histories that have intertwined, converged and diverged. They have involved a continuing process of decolonization and state-building, conflict, economic problems but also progress and the perpetual interplay of structure and agency. This new view of those histories looks in particular at the relationship between territorial, economic, political and societal structures and human agency in the complex and sometimes confusing development of an independent Africa. The story starts well before the granting of independence to Ghana in 1957, but the book also looks at Africa in the closing decades of the old millennium and opening ones of the new. This is a book, too, about the history of the peoples of Africa and their struggle for economic development against the global economic straitjacket into which they were strapped by colonial rule and decolonisation. The importance of imposed or inherited structures, whether the global capitalist system, of which Africa is a subordinate part, or the artificial and often inappropriate state borders and political systems is discussed in the light of the exercise of agency by African peoples, political movements and leaders.


Africa After Independence

Africa After Independence

Author: Godfrey Mwakikagile

Publisher: New Africa Press

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 250

ISBN-13: 0620355409

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This work focuses on the early years of independence and the problems African countries faced soon after the end of colonial rule. Many of those problems still exist today. They include poverty and underdevelopment; adoption of alien ideologies and economic and political systems; structural flaws of the modern African state and its institutions inherited at independence; nation-building, democratization, national integration, and ethnoregional rivalries among others. It is also a historical study of the continent since the partition of Africa by the imperial powers and of the struggle for independence. It also focuses on the continent's demographic composition, shedding some light on the complexity and diversity of the world's second largest continent. The history of Africa's indigenous peoples and their earliest contact with foreigners provides a background to this telescopic survey. The sixties was one of the most important decades in the history of Africa and this work provides a balanced perspective on those years when Africans celebrated the end of colonial rule on their continent. It is a compact study covering a vast expanse of territory from the advent of imperial rule to the attainment of sovereign status for African countries during the sixties and the problems they faced in those years. As a demographic portrait, it excels in depicting the continent as a tapestry that reflects the racial diversity and multiethnic composition of this vast land mass, the second largest after Asia. And as a historical and political analysis, it addresses some of the most important issues in the post-colonial era including the Cold War, with the Congo figuring prominently in the analysis as thefirst theatre of combat and super-power rivalry in the early sixties on the African continent. The dawn of freedom provided opportunities and challenges for the young African nations as they tried to modernize and consolidate their independence in a world dominated by major powers and contending ideologies. It was a rude awakening to the harsh realities of nationhood. One of these was the desire by the major powers to turn African countries into client states as the two ideological camps, East and West, competed for world domination. As Julius Nyerere warned, "We are not going to allow our friends to choose our enemies for us." One of the most contentious grounds for this hegemonic control was, of course, the Congo, right in the middle of the continent. It became the bleeding heart of Africa as the country was turned into a combat theatre mainly between the surrogate forces of the West and the Congolese nationalist forces supported by a number of African countries and by the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. The Congo imbroglio since the turbulent sixties mainly as a result of foreign intrigue and intervention is one of the most important subjects addressed in this book. And it raises serious questions that have profound implications even today for a continent mired in conflict; this time ignited by the Africans themselves in many - but not in all - cases. Yet, prospects for the world's poorest and most embattled continent are not bleak if Africans seek their own solutions to their own problems in this post-Cold War era of globalization dominated by the industrialized nations. The book includes many photos from the early sixties, the dawn of a new era when Africancountries won independence, which Oginga Odinga described as "Not Yet Uhuru."


Book Synopsis Africa After Independence by : Godfrey Mwakikagile

Download or read book Africa After Independence written by Godfrey Mwakikagile and published by New Africa Press. This book was released on 2006 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work focuses on the early years of independence and the problems African countries faced soon after the end of colonial rule. Many of those problems still exist today. They include poverty and underdevelopment; adoption of alien ideologies and economic and political systems; structural flaws of the modern African state and its institutions inherited at independence; nation-building, democratization, national integration, and ethnoregional rivalries among others. It is also a historical study of the continent since the partition of Africa by the imperial powers and of the struggle for independence. It also focuses on the continent's demographic composition, shedding some light on the complexity and diversity of the world's second largest continent. The history of Africa's indigenous peoples and their earliest contact with foreigners provides a background to this telescopic survey. The sixties was one of the most important decades in the history of Africa and this work provides a balanced perspective on those years when Africans celebrated the end of colonial rule on their continent. It is a compact study covering a vast expanse of territory from the advent of imperial rule to the attainment of sovereign status for African countries during the sixties and the problems they faced in those years. As a demographic portrait, it excels in depicting the continent as a tapestry that reflects the racial diversity and multiethnic composition of this vast land mass, the second largest after Asia. And as a historical and political analysis, it addresses some of the most important issues in the post-colonial era including the Cold War, with the Congo figuring prominently in the analysis as thefirst theatre of combat and super-power rivalry in the early sixties on the African continent. The dawn of freedom provided opportunities and challenges for the young African nations as they tried to modernize and consolidate their independence in a world dominated by major powers and contending ideologies. It was a rude awakening to the harsh realities of nationhood. One of these was the desire by the major powers to turn African countries into client states as the two ideological camps, East and West, competed for world domination. As Julius Nyerere warned, "We are not going to allow our friends to choose our enemies for us." One of the most contentious grounds for this hegemonic control was, of course, the Congo, right in the middle of the continent. It became the bleeding heart of Africa as the country was turned into a combat theatre mainly between the surrogate forces of the West and the Congolese nationalist forces supported by a number of African countries and by the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. The Congo imbroglio since the turbulent sixties mainly as a result of foreign intrigue and intervention is one of the most important subjects addressed in this book. And it raises serious questions that have profound implications even today for a continent mired in conflict; this time ignited by the Africans themselves in many - but not in all - cases. Yet, prospects for the world's poorest and most embattled continent are not bleak if Africans seek their own solutions to their own problems in this post-Cold War era of globalization dominated by the industrialized nations. The book includes many photos from the early sixties, the dawn of a new era when Africancountries won independence, which Oginga Odinga described as "Not Yet Uhuru."


The State of Africa

The State of Africa

Author: Martin Meredith

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2011-09-01

Total Pages: 1082

ISBN-13: 0857203894

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Africa is forever on our TV screens, but the bad-news stories (famine, genocide, corruption) massively outweigh the good (South Africa). Ever since the process of decolonialisation began in the mid-1950s, and arguably before, the continent has appeared to be stuck in a process of irreversible decline. Constant war, improper use of natural resources and misappropriation of revenues and aid monies contribute to an impression of a continent beyond hope. How did we get here? What, if anything, is to be done? Weaving together the key stories and characters of the last fifty years into a stunningly compelling and coherent narrative, Martin Meredith has produced the definitive history of how European ideas of how to organise 10,000 different ethnic groups has led to what Tony Blair described as the 'scar on the conscience of the world'. Authoritative, provocative and consistently fascinating, this is a major book on one of the most important issues facing the West today.


Book Synopsis The State of Africa by : Martin Meredith

Download or read book The State of Africa written by Martin Meredith and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2011-09-01 with total page 1082 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Africa is forever on our TV screens, but the bad-news stories (famine, genocide, corruption) massively outweigh the good (South Africa). Ever since the process of decolonialisation began in the mid-1950s, and arguably before, the continent has appeared to be stuck in a process of irreversible decline. Constant war, improper use of natural resources and misappropriation of revenues and aid monies contribute to an impression of a continent beyond hope. How did we get here? What, if anything, is to be done? Weaving together the key stories and characters of the last fifty years into a stunningly compelling and coherent narrative, Martin Meredith has produced the definitive history of how European ideas of how to organise 10,000 different ethnic groups has led to what Tony Blair described as the 'scar on the conscience of the world'. Authoritative, provocative and consistently fascinating, this is a major book on one of the most important issues facing the West today.


Africa Since Independence

Africa Since Independence

Author: Paul Nugent

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Published: 2004-09-18

Total Pages: 624

ISBN-13: 9780333682739

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This is a genuinely comparative study of the different trajectories and experiences of independent African states. It addresses the differential legacies of British, French, Portuguese, Belgian and Spanish colonialism as well as the unique qualities of imperial Ethiopia and Liberia. Paul Nugent analyses boundary problems, the reshaping of territorial structures and the contrasting ideological paths followed by civilian and military regimes. The book ends with a look at the interplay between structural adjustment, ethnicity, democratization and the impact of NGOs. A state-level perspective is balanced by a sensitivity to popular culture.


Book Synopsis Africa Since Independence by : Paul Nugent

Download or read book Africa Since Independence written by Paul Nugent and published by Palgrave Macmillan. This book was released on 2004-09-18 with total page 624 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a genuinely comparative study of the different trajectories and experiences of independent African states. It addresses the differential legacies of British, French, Portuguese, Belgian and Spanish colonialism as well as the unique qualities of imperial Ethiopia and Liberia. Paul Nugent analyses boundary problems, the reshaping of territorial structures and the contrasting ideological paths followed by civilian and military regimes. The book ends with a look at the interplay between structural adjustment, ethnicity, democratization and the impact of NGOs. A state-level perspective is balanced by a sensitivity to popular culture.


South Asia and Africa After Independence

South Asia and Africa After Independence

Author: Bernard Waites

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-01-17

Total Pages: 472

ISBN-13: 0230356982

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Post-colonial South Asia and Africa invite comparison: along with their political boundaries, they inherited from colonial regimes administrative languages, a cluster of sovereign state institutions and modern economic nuclei. When they became independent, South Asian and African states were - for all their diversity - thrust into a common position in the international system, and embarked on a common history as 'emergent', 'non-aligned', 'developing nations'. This is the first book to offer a single-volume comparative history of postcolonial South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in the first generation since independence. South Asia and Africa After Independence draws together the political and economic history of these two regions, assessing the colonial impact, establishing breaks and continuities, and highlighting their diversity and interplay. Waites sets out a framework for analysing the first generation of post-colonial history, offering an interpretation of 'post-colonialism' as a historical phenomenon, and provocatively challenging us to re-think this term in relation to South Asian and African history. This book is an important reference for the study of global, world, African and South Asian history.


Book Synopsis South Asia and Africa After Independence by : Bernard Waites

Download or read book South Asia and Africa After Independence written by Bernard Waites and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2012-01-17 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Post-colonial South Asia and Africa invite comparison: along with their political boundaries, they inherited from colonial regimes administrative languages, a cluster of sovereign state institutions and modern economic nuclei. When they became independent, South Asian and African states were - for all their diversity - thrust into a common position in the international system, and embarked on a common history as 'emergent', 'non-aligned', 'developing nations'. This is the first book to offer a single-volume comparative history of postcolonial South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in the first generation since independence. South Asia and Africa After Independence draws together the political and economic history of these two regions, assessing the colonial impact, establishing breaks and continuities, and highlighting their diversity and interplay. Waites sets out a framework for analysing the first generation of post-colonial history, offering an interpretation of 'post-colonialism' as a historical phenomenon, and provocatively challenging us to re-think this term in relation to South Asian and African history. This book is an important reference for the study of global, world, African and South Asian history.


Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa

Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa

Author: Andrew W.M. Smith

Publisher: UCL Press

Published: 2017-03-01

Total Pages: 254

ISBN-13: 1911307738

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Looking at decolonization in the conditional tense, this volume teases out the complex and uncertain ends of British and French empire in Africa during the period of ‘late colonial shift’ after 1945. Rather than view decolonization as an inevitable process, the contributors together explore the crucial historical moments in which change was negotiated, compromises were made, and debates were staged. Three core themes guide the analysis: development, contingency and entanglement. The chapters consider the ways in which decolonization was governed and moderated by concerns about development and profit. A complementary focus on contingency allows deeper consideration of how colonial powers planned for ‘colonial futures’, and how divergent voices greeted the end of empire. Thinking about entanglements likewise stresses both the connections that existed between the British and French empires in Africa, and those that endured beyond the formal transfer of power. Praise for Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa '…this ambitious volume represents a significant step forward for the field. As is often the case with rich and stimulating work, the volume gestures towards more themes than I have space to properly address in this review. These include shifting terrains of temporality, spatial Scales, and state sovereignty, which together raise important questions about the relationship between decolonization and globalization. By bringing all of these crucial issues into the same frame,Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa is sure to inspire new thought-provoking research.' - H-France vol. 17, issue 205


Book Synopsis Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa by : Andrew W.M. Smith

Download or read book Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa written by Andrew W.M. Smith and published by UCL Press. This book was released on 2017-03-01 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Looking at decolonization in the conditional tense, this volume teases out the complex and uncertain ends of British and French empire in Africa during the period of ‘late colonial shift’ after 1945. Rather than view decolonization as an inevitable process, the contributors together explore the crucial historical moments in which change was negotiated, compromises were made, and debates were staged. Three core themes guide the analysis: development, contingency and entanglement. The chapters consider the ways in which decolonization was governed and moderated by concerns about development and profit. A complementary focus on contingency allows deeper consideration of how colonial powers planned for ‘colonial futures’, and how divergent voices greeted the end of empire. Thinking about entanglements likewise stresses both the connections that existed between the British and French empires in Africa, and those that endured beyond the formal transfer of power. Praise for Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa '…this ambitious volume represents a significant step forward for the field. As is often the case with rich and stimulating work, the volume gestures towards more themes than I have space to properly address in this review. These include shifting terrains of temporality, spatial Scales, and state sovereignty, which together raise important questions about the relationship between decolonization and globalization. By bringing all of these crucial issues into the same frame,Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa is sure to inspire new thought-provoking research.' - H-France vol. 17, issue 205


Africa in the Post-Decolonization Era

Africa in the Post-Decolonization Era

Author: Richard E. Bissell

Publisher: Transaction Publishers

Published: 1984-01-01

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 9781412816533

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Addressing the changing problems and perspectives of Africa, leading Africanists examine economic, political, and ideological trends in the sub-Saharan region since the time of independence, and assess their probable impact on the future of the subcontinent. Contributors deal with such essential topics as the influence of ideology on the evolution of African politics; the role of the military in African politics; the decline in food production and economic crises as a direct threat to the continent's independence; the problem of South Africa and the U.S. position with regard to South Africa; and the failure of the African collective security system.


Book Synopsis Africa in the Post-Decolonization Era by : Richard E. Bissell

Download or read book Africa in the Post-Decolonization Era written by Richard E. Bissell and published by Transaction Publishers. This book was released on 1984-01-01 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Addressing the changing problems and perspectives of Africa, leading Africanists examine economic, political, and ideological trends in the sub-Saharan region since the time of independence, and assess their probable impact on the future of the subcontinent. Contributors deal with such essential topics as the influence of ideology on the evolution of African politics; the role of the military in African politics; the decline in food production and economic crises as a direct threat to the continent's independence; the problem of South Africa and the U.S. position with regard to South Africa; and the failure of the African collective security system.


Innovating Development Strategies in Africa

Innovating Development Strategies in Africa

Author: Landry Signé

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-08-31

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 1107173078

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This book examines postcolonial strategies for economic development in Africa from the 1960s to the present day.


Book Synopsis Innovating Development Strategies in Africa by : Landry Signé

Download or read book Innovating Development Strategies in Africa written by Landry Signé and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017-08-31 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines postcolonial strategies for economic development in Africa from the 1960s to the present day.


Africa After Independence

Africa After Independence

Author: Godfrey Mwakikagile

Publisher: New Africa Press

Published: 2009-11

Total Pages: 250

ISBN-13: 998716014X

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This work focuses on the early years of independence and the problems African countries faced soon after the end of colonial rule. They include poverty and underdevelopment; adoption of alien ideologies and economic and political systems; structural flaws of the modern African state and its institutions inherited at independence; nation-building, democratization, national integration, and ethno-regional rivalries among others. The work also looks at prospects for continental unification from the perspectives of leaders such as Nkrumah and Nyerere. As a demographic portrait, it depicts the continent as a tapestry that reflects the racial diversity and multi-ethnic composition of this vast land mass. And as a historical and political analysis, it addresses some of the most important issues in the post-colonial era. The book includes photos from the early sixties.


Book Synopsis Africa After Independence by : Godfrey Mwakikagile

Download or read book Africa After Independence written by Godfrey Mwakikagile and published by New Africa Press. This book was released on 2009-11 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work focuses on the early years of independence and the problems African countries faced soon after the end of colonial rule. They include poverty and underdevelopment; adoption of alien ideologies and economic and political systems; structural flaws of the modern African state and its institutions inherited at independence; nation-building, democratization, national integration, and ethno-regional rivalries among others. The work also looks at prospects for continental unification from the perspectives of leaders such as Nkrumah and Nyerere. As a demographic portrait, it depicts the continent as a tapestry that reflects the racial diversity and multi-ethnic composition of this vast land mass. And as a historical and political analysis, it addresses some of the most important issues in the post-colonial era. The book includes photos from the early sixties.


Africa since 1940

Africa since 1940

Author: Frederick Cooper

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2002-10-10

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 1107651344

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Frederick Cooper's book on the history of decolonization and independence in Africa is part of the textbook series New Approaches to African History. This text will help students understand the historical process out of which Africa's position in the world has emerged. Bridging the divide between colonial and post-colonial history, it allows readers to see just what political independence did and did not signify and how men and women, peasants and workers, religious leaders and local leaders sought to refashion the way they lived, worked, and interacted with each other.


Book Synopsis Africa since 1940 by : Frederick Cooper

Download or read book Africa since 1940 written by Frederick Cooper and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2002-10-10 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Frederick Cooper's book on the history of decolonization and independence in Africa is part of the textbook series New Approaches to African History. This text will help students understand the historical process out of which Africa's position in the world has emerged. Bridging the divide between colonial and post-colonial history, it allows readers to see just what political independence did and did not signify and how men and women, peasants and workers, religious leaders and local leaders sought to refashion the way they lived, worked, and interacted with each other.