Africa is currently experiencing sociopolitical and economic changes of unprecedented proportions. New leaders, institutions, discourses, and methods of political organization and action are shaping a new future.

Through a case-study approach, this essay collection provides a comprehensive analysis of the history, trajectory, actors, institutions, contradictions, failures, and opportunities in contemporary efforts at democratization in Africa. While presenting the dynamics of democracy and democratization in several African countries, they also look at critical issues in...

Nigeria is in a long-standing crisis. Military rule has suffocated civil society and has entrenched a culture of repression, corruption, and official irresponsibility. The reign of Ibrahim Babangida has resulted in near total economic disaster for the country. The situation is so bad, as Julius Ihonvbere shows, that Nigerians are now saying that the days of colonialism were better. In this major new study, Ihonvbere searches out the sources of Nigeria's predicament. He finds them in the country's historical experience, and the consequences of that experience since gaining political...