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