Social Contract, Authoritarianism and the Dilemma of Africans

Moeketsi Kali

doi:10.33422/ejbs.v3i1.318

Abstract

The article expatiates on the social contract to clarify the circumstances leading to despotism, authoritarianism, violation of civil liberties and misery in Africa. It describes the ways in which African leaders violate individual freedoms despite the presence of local laws and international conventions. The article explains the process that led to the misfortune of Africans based on case studies informed by primary and secondary data. It contends that the repercussions of the social contract were underrated due to the dearth of choices. Thus, governments abuse their powers and crush every agent that attempts to provide checks and balances. However, the verdicts of certain local courts and the International Criminal Court demonstrate that strengthening the judicial system can transform the status quo.

Highlights

Citizens living under despotism submit themselves to their authorities for one reason
The right to freedom of association is the basis for civil society since it has to mobilize the people for action whenever a government abuses its authority
Africans pursue the social contract through periodic elections where they chose a government to govern over them

Summary

Introduction

Citizens living under despotism submit themselves to their authorities for one reason. Africans states are signatories to several international human rights treaties but the leaders continue to abuse their powers and violate civil and political rights of citizens (Datton, 2017). Based on social contract theory, this article explains ways in which African leaders turn into despots and violate civil and political liberties of citizens.

Results

Conclusion