Routledge Handbook of Democratization in Africa

Summary

This volume explores the issues and debates surrounding the ongoing processes of democratization in sub-Saharan Africa, illuminating the central dynamics characterizing Africa’s democratic experiments, and considering the connections between democratization and economic, social, and cultural developments on the continent.

Reflecting the diverse and rich nature of this field of study, the Handbook of Democratization in Africa features more than thirty contributions structured into six thematic sections:

• The politics and paths of regime development
• Institutional dynamics
• Political mobilization and voting dynamics
• The politics of identity
• Social forces from below
• The consequences of democracy.

Chapters offer overviews of the key scholarship on particular topics, including central insights from the latest research, and provide suggestions for those interested in further inquiry. The material includes attention to broad cross-continental patterns, for example with respect to public opinion, political violence, or the role of different institutions and actors. It also includes rich case material, drawing on and highlighting the experiences of a diverse collection of countries.

Encouraging a comprehensive view of key concerns and enhancing understanding of particular issues, the Handbook of Democratization in Africa represents a critical resource for experts and students of African politics, democratization, and African studies.

Table of Contents

Part 1: The politics and paths of regime development 

1. Neopatrimonialism and democracy
Rachel Sigman, Staffan I. Lindberg 

2. Pathways to democracy
Nic Cheeseman 

3. Post-conflict democratization and power-sharing
Andreas Mehler 

4. The impact of foreign aid
Tessa Devereaux Evans, Nicolas van de Walle 

5. Natural resources
Cyril Obi 

Part 2: Institutional dynamics 

6. Federalism and devolution
Mai Hassan 

7. The struggle for presidential term limits
Boniface Dulani 

8. Executive power and horizontal development
Landry Signe 

9. The politics of legislative development
Ken Ochieng' Opalo 

10. Judicial power
Rachel Ellett 

11. Militaries
Kristen A. Harkness 

12. Electoral administration
Mamoudou Gazibo  

Part 3: Political mobilization and voting dynamics 

13. Voting behavior
James D. Long 

14. Clientelism
Jorge Gallego, Leonard Wantchekon 

15. Campaign strategies
Eric Kramon 

16. Political parties and party systems
Alexander Stroh 

17. Opposition coalitions
Nicole Beardsworth 

18. The use of electoral violence
Dorina A. Bekoe and Stephanie M. Burchard 

Part 4: The politics of identity 

19. Christianity and democracy
Amy Patterson 

20. Islam and democracy
Brandon Kendhammer 

21. Gender politics
Martha C. Johnson, Melanie L. Phillips 

22. Ethnic politics
Dominika Koter 

23. Generational dynamics and the politics of youth
Ransford Gyampo 

Part 5: Social forces from below 

24. Public opinion and democratic legitimacy
Robert Mattes 

25. Civil society
Peter VonDoepp 

26. Digital media, networked spaces, and politics
Wisdom J. Tettey 

27. Popular protest and accountability
Lisa Mueller 

28. Urban politics
Danielle Resnick 

Part 6: The consequences of democracy 

29. Economic growth and development
Peter M. Lewis 

30. Corruption
Dominic Burbidge, Mark Philp 

31. Sexual minority rights
Kuukuwa Andam, Marc Epprecht 

32. Citizenship
Sara Rich Dorman 

Editor(s) Bio

Gabrielle Lynch is Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Warwick, UK.

Peter VonDoepp is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Vermont, USA.