Africanizing Democracies: 1980-Present

African World Histories

by Alicia C. Decker, Andrea L. Arrington

Africanizing Democracies examines the ways in which Africans have constructed and reshaped democracy in order to fit their own political ideals and agendas. Analyzing political democratization in this vast continent--which is home to fifty-five sovereign countries--the book includes voices of Africans from all walks of life and utilizes a wide variety of primary sources, including newspaper articles, speeches, memoirs, films, letters, and photographs. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of democratization in Africa, demonstrating how the process has had a significant impact on the continent's economic, social, and cultural landscape. Africanizing Democracies looks at democratization in relation to such topics as the end of apartheid, the role of women in politics, the Arab Spring, debt relief and humanitarian aid, China's growing involvement in Africa, HIV/AIDS and other significant health concerns, feminism and LGBT activism, and peace and security issues, among others.

100 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2014

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about how Africans have constructed and reshaped democracy to fit their own political ideals and agendas. How efforts have been made to improve the political, economic and social landscape of the continent with a strong focus on democratization. Each chapter addresses different aspects of democratization that have taken place on the continent.

I would recommend the book to those interested in knowing a little more about modern Africa on a general level. The book is small, but gives a great overview of the challenges that have hit and which are still affecting Africa today. The language is easy to understand - the book is readable for everyone.