The Political Economy of Africa

ISBN-13: 9780415480390 / Angielski / Miękka / 2010 / 438 str.

Vishnu Padayachee

Opis

The Political Economy of Africa addresses the real possibilities for African development in the coming decades when seen in the light of the continent's economic performance over the last half-century. This involves an effort to emancipate our thinking from the grip of western economic models that have often ignored Africa's diversity in their rush to peddle simple nostrums of dubious merit. The book addresses the seemingly intractable economic problems of the African continent, and traces their origins. It also brings out the instances of successful economic change, and the possibilities for economic revival and renewal. As well as surveying the variety of contemporary situations, the text will provide readers with a firm grasp of the historical background to the topic. It explores issues such as:

• employment and poverty
• social policy and security
• structural adjustment programs and neo-liberal globalization
• majority rule and democratization
• taxation and resource mobilization.

It contains a selection of country specific case studies from a range of international contributors, many of whom have lived and worked in Africa. The book will be of particular interest to higher level students in political economy, development studies, area studies (Africa) and economics in general.

Recenzje

This volume will be a valuable addition to all libraries with a serious focus on African development - CHOICE

Spis treści

1. Introducing the African Economy  Part 1: African Political Economy in Overview  2. The African Tragedy: International and National Roots  3. The Social Context of African Economic Growth 1960-2008  4. From the Political Economy of Development to Development Economics: Implications for Africa  Part 2: Analytical Perspectives on Africa  5. Agro-Pessimism, Capitalism and Agrarian Change: Trajectories and Contradictions in Sub-Saharan Africa  6. The Political Economy of Taxation and Resource Mobilisation in Sub-Saharan Africa  7. Africa's Revolving Door: External Borrowing and Capital Flight in Sub-Saharan Africa  8. The Political Economy of Social Policy and Social Security in Sub-Saharan Africa  9. Aid, Development and the State in Africa  10.  Employment, Poverty and Inclusive Development in Africa: Policy Choices in the Context of Widespread Informality  11. Street Trading in Africa: Demographic Trends, Planning and Trader Organization  12. Africa and the ‘Second New Economy’: How Can Africa Benefit from ICT’s for a Sustainable Socio-Economic Development?  Part 3: African Case Studies  13. Agricultural Policy in Africa – Renewal or Status Quo? A Spotlight on Kenya and Senegal  14. Liberalisation, State Intervention and the Demise of Industrial Development in Mozambique  15. Local Democracy, Clientelism and the (Re)Politicization of Urban Governance in African Cities: Reflexions from Johannesburg Stories  16. Many Conflicts, One Peace: The Congo Economy and Global Security  17. Mbimbos, Zvipamuzis and Primitive Accumulation in Zimbabwe’s Violent Mineral Economy: Crisis, Chaos and the State  18. Good Governance and Growth in Africa: What Can We Learn from Tanzania  19. Management of the CFA Franc in West Africa: From an Imposed Extroversion to Chosen Extroversion  Part 4: New Directions  20. Africa’s Urban Revolution and the Informal Economy  21. Impacts and Challenges of a Growing Relationship between China and Sub-Saharan Africa  22. South Africa in Africa: From National Capitalism to Regional Integration

O autorze

Vishnu Padayachee is Senior Professor and Head of the School of Development Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.