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Cambridge Studies in Comparative Politics
The Paradox of Traditional Chiefs in Democratic Africa
The Paradox of Traditional Chiefs in Democratic Africa shows that unelected traditional leaders can facilitate democratic responsiveness. Ironically, chiefs' undemocratic character gives them a capacity to organize responses to rural problems that elected politicians and state institutions lack. Specifically, chiefs' longer time horizons encourage investment in local institutions that enable the provision of local public goods. This is the paradox of traditional chiefs in democratic elected politicians can only effectively respond to rural constituents through institutions constructed and maintained by local leaders who are not worried about electoral terms. Furthermore, the critical role played by chiefs in brokering local development projects forces us to reassess how we understand the basis of their political influence during elections. The book examines the effects of traditional leaders on the electoral connection in Africa through a multi-method approach that combines qualitative research, surveys, and experiments, with particular attention to the Zambian case.
260 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2015
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March 14, 2026
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4.5 Stars
Feelings about the book:
- Classic scenario - a book on my TBR that has been on there for years. Even though you know you'll like it.
- I really love reading books about black people; I find it beautiful (for lack of better word), no matter the topic.
Premise/Plot:
- Kate Baldwin suggests that unelected, traditional, local African leaders can aid democratically elected governments in the running of a country. This paradox has been profound since the independence of many African countries from the 20th century to the present.
- Baldwin’s research was primarily done in Zambia, but she touches upon other African countries at the end of the book.
- Baldwin also showcases differences between the voter broker model and the development broker model when analysing the role of chiefs.
Themes:
- Democracy in practice, colonialism’s legacy, old traditions, political power, tactical voting, the relationship between chiefs and politicians.
Pros:
- The balance between this being an informative book and a book to showcase Baldwin’s research was very well done.
- This was a fascinating topic to research, and a very important aspect of democracy to shine a light on.
- Baldwin’s findings are so important, especially when talking about how to further develop African countries.
- A wealth of great books in the reference section.
- Baldwin presents strong empirical research and fieldwork; got to respect it.
Cons:
- Due to the brutalisation and realities of colonialism – Baldwin was a bit lax in some of her adjectives. For example, what does it mean for the French to ‘respect’ a local chief during the colonial period, when the French should not be there?
- This would have been epic if it had historical (both local, national and global) context to contrast her research.
- Maybe this is due to lack of data or research available… but Baldwin should have really explored if chiefs were constructed by the colonial powers. She touches on it but doesn’t delve into it.
Quotes:
‘On the eve of African independence, traditional chieftaincy appeared to be on the verge of being brushed away by a new democratic politics.’
‘The campaigns against chiefs after independence were not just rhetorical. Laws were passed abolishing the positions of chiefs shortly after independence in Guinea, Mozambique, and Tanzania.’
‘The data suggest that traditional chiefs in Francophone Africa do have slightly less power than their counterparts in Anglophone and Lusophone Africa.’
‘Regardless of the measure of chiefs’ constitutional position or the measure of democracy employed, democracy is associated with greater status for chiefs.’
‘In Tanzania, the deposition of headmen and chiefs after independence resulted in difficulties in mobilising local labour for development projects.’
‘In Mozambique, the Frente de Libertação de Moçambique (FRELIMO) government had difficulty collecting taxes and financially supporting local administrative tasks after chiefs were abolished in 1978.’
‘Thus I argue that the primary role of traditional chiefs in democratic Africa is brokering development projects, not votes, with any political influence they maintain derived from this function.’
‘The Constitution of Zambia has prevented chiefs from running for office since 1996.’
‘Each chief has at least two kapasus, a cross between a messenger and a policeman, who can summon individuals to the chief’s court.’
‘The model finds that the longer the MP has known the chief, the more classrooms are provided.’
4.5 Stars
Feelings about the book:
- Classic scenario - a book on my TBR that has been on there for years. Even though you know you'll like it.
- I really love reading books about black people; I find it beautiful (for lack of better word), no matter the topic.
Premise/Plot:
- Kate Baldwin suggests that unelected, traditional, local African leaders can aid democratically elected governments in the running of a country. This paradox has been profound since the independence of many African countries from the 20th century to the present.
- Baldwin’s research was primarily done in Zambia, but she touches upon other African countries at the end of the book.
- Baldwin also showcases differences between the voter broker model and the development broker model when analysing the role of chiefs.
Themes:
- Democracy in practice, colonialism’s legacy, old traditions, political power, tactical voting, the relationship between chiefs and politicians.
Pros:
- The balance between this being an informative book and a book to showcase Baldwin’s research was very well done.
- This was a fascinating topic to research, and a very important aspect of democracy to shine a light on.
- Baldwin’s findings are so important, especially when talking about how to further develop African countries.
- A wealth of great books in the reference section.
- Baldwin presents strong empirical research and fieldwork; got to respect it.
Cons:
- Due to the brutalisation and realities of colonialism – Baldwin was a bit lax in some of her adjectives. For example, what does it mean for the French to ‘respect’ a local chief during the colonial period, when the French should not be there?
- This would have been epic if it had historical (both local, national and global) context to contrast her research.
- Maybe this is due to lack of data or research available… but Baldwin should have really explored if chiefs were constructed by the colonial powers. She touches on it but doesn’t delve into it.
Quotes:
‘On the eve of African independence, traditional chieftaincy appeared to be on the verge of being brushed away by a new democratic politics.’
‘The campaigns against chiefs after independence were not just rhetorical. Laws were passed abolishing the positions of chiefs shortly after independence in Guinea, Mozambique, and Tanzania.’
‘The data suggest that traditional chiefs in Francophone Africa do have slightly less power than their counterparts in Anglophone and Lusophone Africa.’
‘Regardless of the measure of chiefs’ constitutional position or the measure of democracy employed, democracy is associated with greater status for chiefs.’
‘In Tanzania, the deposition of headmen and chiefs after independence resulted in difficulties in mobilising local labour for development projects.’
‘In Mozambique, the Frente de Libertação de Moçambique (FRELIMO) government had difficulty collecting taxes and financially supporting local administrative tasks after chiefs were abolished in 1978.’
‘Thus I argue that the primary role of traditional chiefs in democratic Africa is brokering development projects, not votes, with any political influence they maintain derived from this function.’
‘The Constitution of Zambia has prevented chiefs from running for office since 1996.’
‘Each chief has at least two kapasus, a cross between a messenger and a policeman, who can summon individuals to the chief’s court.’
‘The model finds that the longer the MP has known the chief, the more classrooms are provided.’
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