Africa in Chaos : A Comparative History
- Book Review,
by George B.N. Ayittey
Amazon.com
Ghanaian-born economics professor George B.N. Ayittey takes a hard, unsentimental look at the continuing economic, cultural, and political downfall of African countries. While Africa is the world's second-largest continent, containing 770 million people and much of the world's natural resources, he contends that the postcolonial African nations cannot reconcile what he calls "the two Africas," one traditional and one modern (or "Western"). That split, he says, wreaks havoc on the African people, and he comes down hard on "the elites, the parasitic minority group [that operates] by an assortment of imported or borrowed institutions." Africa in Chaos examines the collapse of Nigeria's civilian-led democracy, as well as the anarchy in Liberia, the former Zaire, and Sierra Leone, outlining the suicidal quest for power that hinders Africa's growth. Ayittey, unlike many Afrocentric apologists, does not lay all of the blame for Africa's predicament on the West, but he does insist that solid, long-term investment from Europe and America is needed to lift the motherland out of its mire. His "Ten Commandments for African Intellectuals," intended to lead the way to success, include calls for an embrace of the African past, a relationship with the private sector, and consistent freedom of expression. --Eugene Holley Jr.
From Library Journal
Ayittey (economics, American Univ.), a Ghanaian by birth, provides a harsh critique of Africa's development. Describing the undermining of basic political and economic institutions, primarily since independence, he places much of the blame for the outcomes on African leaders themselves and what he calls their "vampire states." He asserts that African leaders have ignored the strengths of indigenous systems while spouting meaningless rhetoric and resisting meaningful change. These arguments have been raised in numerous other studies by African and Western authors, but Ayittey's focus on the failure and corruption of political, business, bureaucratic, and police leadership is persuasive, if incomplete. One wishes for more viable examples of internal alternatives to the "chaos" he describes to gain a sense of optimism. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.?Bill Rau, Talkoma, Md.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
The New York Times Book Review, Jeremy Harding
He is ... a writer who takes no prisoners--especially when it comes to Africa's postcolonial leaders--and his description of a continent in chaos at the end of the millennium...
The Wall Street Journal, Geoffrey Wheatcroft
By contrast with visiting mountebanks, Mr. Ayittey knows Africa well, has thought about it hard and has written a brave and reflective book.
From Booklist
Ayittey, author of the award-winning Africa Betrayed (1993), presents two schools of thought on Africa's current chaotic state: the externalist view that points to the colonialists and imperialists of Europe and the United States; and the internalist view that points to the greed and incompetence of African political and military leaders. He declares himself primarily an internalist and provides a disturbing catalog of atrocities committed by African governments, from human rights abuses to the looting of national treasuries. Ayittey brings his expertise as an economist to a clear and concise analysis of why so many economic reform efforts have failed and his Ghanaian heritage to passion and outrage at the dismal state of the political and social structure of so many African nations. But he also brings a perspective colored by his sponsors, conservative research foundations, which leads him to give only brief mention to the role the West has played in the current state of black Africa. Ayittey, nonetheless, provides thought-provoking analysis and recommendations that center on solutions based on African traditions and internal resources. Vanessa Bush
Review
“Crucial for anyone seeking an understanding of Africa's condition . . . Read it now, before it's too late.” —The Washington Times
“Robust and provocative.” —The New York Times Book Review
Review
“Crucial for anyone seeking an understanding of Africa's condition . . . Read it now, before it's too late.” —The Washington Times
“Robust and provocative.” —The New York Times Book Review
Book Description
In a follow-up to his ground-breaking Africa Betrayed, George Ayittey takes up the plight of Africa at the end of the twentieth century. Former UN Secretary General Boutros-Boutros Ghali once said that Africa was “in danger of becoming the lost continent” and, on this point, Ayittey thoroughly agrees. As he begins to see countries like Nigeria go over the edge of economic and social disaster, Ayittey uses his formidable powers of analysis to look at the political economy of Africa, the incursion of foreign powers and the relationship of Africa to the world market. He contrasts the indigenous systems of government that existed in Africa before the arrival of Europeans with the colonial and post-colonial systems that were forced on the country and the effect these systems have had on Africa’s inability to move forward. Ayittey’s view is dark and, as always, his stinging conclusions will infuriate some and invigorate others. Certain to create controversy, Africa in Chaos is a must-read for fans of Ayittey’s earlier work as well as anyone interested in the world economic scene today.
From the Publisher
Praise for Africa in Chaos: "George Ayittey's robust, provocative Africa in Chaos is typical of the vigorous torrent of scholarship and journalism that has begun to rethink Africa." --The New York Times "Mr. Ayittey knows Africa well, has thought about it hard and has written a brave and reflective book." --The Wall Street Journal "Ayittey sees Africa honestly...this book is 'must' reading." --The Chicago Tribune "This book is crucial for anyone seeking an understanding of Africa's condition, and anyone who has a genuine interest in finding solutions. Read it now, before it's too late." --The Washington Times
About the Author
George B. N. Ayittey is an associate professor in the department of economics at American University in Washington, D.C. He is the author of Africa Betrayed. He lives in Lorton, Virginia.
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