Democratization in Africa

Abstract

Examines the state of progress of democracy in Africa at the end of the 1990s, following the third wave of democratization which the contributors argue has been characterized by retreats as well as advances. In some cases, newly established democratic orders have devolved into pseudodemocracies while, in other cases, superficial changes have been used as a cosmetic screen for continuation of often brutal regimes. The volume makes clear, however, that political liberalization is making significant headway. The first section of the book (Assessing Africa's Third Wave) offers several broad analytical surveys of democratic change and electoral processes in the 48 sub-Saharan African states. Frequent abuses are noted, but several contributors find room for guarded optimism. The second section (South Africa: An African Success?) focuses on the dramatic developments in South Africa, the most advanced democracy on the continent, but one faced with enormous challenges in the aftermath of apartheid. Essays in this section examine such issues as the role of non-governmental organizations in the new political order, the ongoing and linked problems of racial and economic division, the demographics of public opinion on democracy, and the viability of the country's new constitution. The final section of the book (African Ambiguities) considers more closely several other African states: Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, the Gambia and Nigeria, all at different crossroads in their progress towards democracy.