Africa Since Independence: A Comparative History FROM THE PUBLISHER
This is a genuinely comparative study of the different trajectories and experiences of independent African states. It addresses the differential legacies of British, French, Portuguese, Belgian and Spanish colonialism as well as the unique qualities of imperial Ethiopia and Liberia. Paul Nugent analyses boundary problems, the reshaping of territorial structures and the contrasting ideological paths followed by civilian and military regimes. The book ends with a look at the interplay between structural adjustment, ethnicity, democratization and the impact of NGOs. A state-level perspective is balanced by a sensitivity to popular culture.
SYNOPSIS
Historian Nugent (U. of Edinburgh) tackles the history of an entire continent, with an emphasis on politics rather than social history. Chapters are arranged broadly chronologically according to theme (e.g. modernity vs. tradition, military rule, the arrival of NGOs). He does include discussion of popular culture, Africa's experimentation with various development models, and rapid urbanization and youth culture; and his case-laden approach allows readers to dip into the book rather than read cover-to-cover. Nugent acknowledges that his interpretation of recent and still-unfolding events might be contested—the very process, he says, by which historical consensus is achieved. The text is supported with maps and tables, including a map of Africa showing each country's date of independence. A list of abbreviations is included. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
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