The Betrayal of Africa

by Gerald Caplan

In the wealthy West, it's assumed that Africa is the problem and we are the solution. This timely book argues the opposite. Though couched in benevolent terms, Western policies in fact have for decades helped fuel the continent's devastating decline. Every year, far more of Africa's riches flow out to the rich world than we plough into Africa. In this systematic process of exploitation, explains author Gerald Caplan, first-world leaders work in happy harmony with African despots to wreak havoc on their nations and peoples. The Betrayal of Africa explains its historical background, the contemporary situation, and how a conflation of elements — China's bold new presence in Africa, an active and angry civil society demanding government reform, and fresh leadership — is creating the possibility for positive change. Using simple, lucid language, the book helps Western readers understand what they can do to remedy a complex, increasingly dire situation that affects us all.

Genres: Africa, History, Nonfiction, Politics, Canada

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 2008

Reviews

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerald Caplan packs a wallop in this concise look at why Africa is in such a mess. He systematically looks at the colonizing Western countries who seized the land, drew borders without regard to ethnicities, extracted its mineral wealth, and a few generations later exited without a succession plan in place, leaving tribes to fight it out. Today, rich countries (who got rich off the backs of African slaves and colonies) lend “aid” with strings attached so the lender will benefit equally. Caplan looks at the corruption of African leaders, the lack of political will, dictators and warrior mentality. The hope for the future, he says, is not through governments, but in civilian groups, and he holds up the model of millions African grandmothers who are raising their orphaned grandchildren. I hang my head in shame, in a ‘sins-of-the-father-visited-on-the-sons’ sort of way. My hope, however, now lies in the consciousness raised by thousands of Western grass-root projects that focus on helping a small piece of Africa through personal contact. If you are at all interested in this topic, this succinct book is a great place to start.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a new series called "The Groundwork Guides." The books are matter of a fact, easy to understand guides to a number of controversial and important topics such as oil and climate change.

This book really delves into why Africa has so many problems, based on colonialism, and continuing abuse by the Western powers. If you don't feel angry when reading this book, there's something seriously wrong with you. I think everyone who has even the slightest interest in international politics and human rights should pick this one up. It's an excellent primer on the topic.

I intend to pick up the other Groundwork guide books to see if they are as well written as this one.

[MrsPL · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good overview of some of the major issues in development in Africa from a more "left" perspective. Easy to read. I can't say I really learned anything new because I've read a lot on this topic already, but it would be a fantastic introduction for someone who didn't know a lot about the topic.

[alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this the same day I read Condom. This was an excellent book, gave a lot of insight into the complexities of Africa that I just didn't know. Astounding, and a little shocking.

The world hasn't changed much in the last two hundred years. Or is that two thousand?

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sharp, and shocking in its summary of what Western influences of greed and corruption has generated over centuries, not to mention the effects of post-colonialism on this vast continent.

Everything you think you know about Africa and its many countries will have you reflecting on what has been done (and what continues to be done) to its fragile state, all in the name of democratization.

[Yolande · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic find at a recent housesitting gig. An effective and concise introduction to the history and politics of the African continent and especially the influence of the global north. I appreciate that this book offered a framework to understand modern Africa. Essential reading for all global citizens. Highly recommended!

[Jill Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am interested in this book but it is depressing. Not only is political corruption and political gain main problems for many African countries but the author plops the US right smack in the middle of the mess and gives us partial responsibility along with the rest of the Western Hemisphere. I just keep wanting to know what it means for us anyway.

Having a difficult time finishing this book since I cant decide if I need to be defensive, apathical as it suggest all Americans have been to the plight of Africa, or join the Peace Corp and do something. Well now I know what I need to do when I retire, join the peace corp.

[Nick Coddington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a short book, coming in at just over 130 pages, it provides a nice overview of the challenges in Africa today. I was only sorry that no real solutions are offered. But the point of the book was to provide an overview in a very readable and understandable format. Worth an evening.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a concise guide to the ways in which Africa has been intentionally underdeveloped by the West and other powers. It's a great, quick guide to get up to speed on the major issues Africa is currently facing.

[Chinook · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a great little overview of what's going on in Africa and why, with a helpful list of sources at the back.

[Tom Oman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a bit too brief to be overly engaging.

[Mariya]

NO

[Bure Kabisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for all that assume they know "that ol' country called Africa"