State and Society in Africa : Perspectives on Continuity and Change

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The state and society in the African continent have undergone profound metamorphosis in recent decades. These changes, both positive and negative, were highlighted by the end of European colonial rule in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. From intense and prolonged East-West rivalry of the post independent era, to its demise in the early 1990s, Africa has experienced repeated economic, political, and social crises. The Balkanization of Africa across tribal and ethnic divides accompanied by the lack of success of many emerging African states to forge long-term economic and political reconstruction of societies has adversely affected the human prospect for an equitable and descent existence. This volume examines divergent themes on African polity and society. It is a collective effort by hosts of scholars from the United States and abroad who analyze the prevailing political, economic, and social conditions in Africa. The book surveys major challenges that confront African societies, including the forces and factors that impose constraints and pose dilemma to the national, regional, and international viability of African societies. State and Society in Africa is eclectic in its representation of alternative paradigms to the continent''s economic, political and social malaise.