The lecture gives a comprehensive overview over political and social dynamics in the 47 states in Sub-Saharan Africa since their independence. It aims at both highlighting common structural features such as colonial background, weak states, neopatrimonialism and the specific actor-oriented and institutional developments within states. The lecture thus serves both as an introduction to main themes and characteristics of African politics (democracy, parties, elections, civil society, religion) and their relevance and variety within selected African countries.
Literatur: Iliffe, John: The Africans, Cambridge (dt.: Geschichte Afrikas, München 1997) Hyden, Goran 2006: African Politics in Comparatiev Perspective, Cambridge Nugent, Paul 2004: Africa since Independence, London Van de Walle, Nicolas 2001: African Economies and the Politics of Permanent Crisis 1979-1999, Cambridge
This course does not require specific knowledge about Sub-Saharan Africa, but basic knowledge of comparative politics is helpful. Students are required to bring to the lecture an interest in the African continent and a willingness to engage with the empirical contexts of Sub-Saharan Africa (which means actually a lot of reading!)
Kommentare