1. Introduction
Part A: Framing the Study of Africa
2. The Making of Modern Africa
3. Historical and Geographical Background
4. The West, the Media, and the Representation of Africa
5. African Political Thought
6. Political Theories and Relevance to Africa
Part B: Historical Roots of African Politics
7. Precolonial Political Systems
8. The Colonial State
9. Colonialism and Colonial Legacies
10. Nationalism and Freedom
Part C: The Postcolonial African State
11. The Postcolonial State and Society
12. Democracy
13. Political Economy
14. Crisis of Governance, Political Liberalization, and Democratic Reform
15. Military Intervention in Politics and Government
16. Conflicts, Peace, and Security
Part D: Groups and Social Identities
17. Women and Politics
18. Identity and Politics
19. Political Parties
20. Youth and Politics
21. Social And Political Movements
22. Popular Culture and Politics
23. Technology, Social Media, and Politics
Part E: International and Regional Politics
24. Resources: Opportunities and Challenges
25. Regionalism and Regional Integration
26. Pan-Africanism and the African Union
27. Africa’s International Relations
Part F: Conclusion
28. The Future of African Politics
Biography
Toyin Falola is the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities and a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, USA. Falola has published over a hundred books and is the recipient of twenty‑eight honorary doctorates as well as several lifetime achievement awards.
"A remarkable book from a remarkable scholar. This important new volume not only traces the historical roots of African politics, but also connects the continent's past to its present, from popular protests to the impact of new technology, the role of youth and social movements. In doing so, it provides perhaps the broadest and most ambitious treatment of African politics yet published".
Nic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy, University of Birmingham, and author of Democracy in Africa.
"Toyin Falola, the indefatigable historian and the doyen of African Studies, has offered us an expansive and deep introduction to African politics. It is the most updated and refreshing work covering diverse themes in African politics. It is written in an elegant style typical of Falola's other work. Very accessible and enlightening work that is long overdue."
Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatsheni, Professor of History and Canada Research Chair (CRC-Tier 1)-Pluralistic Societies: Epistemic Pluralism and Ecologies of Knowledges, University of Calgary, Canada.
"African Politics is a deeply thought-through book. In it, there is a detailed presentation of the philosophical and historical foundations of the current arrangements and modalities for allocating values within Africa and in the continent's relations with the world. A discerning reading of this outstanding volume enriches critical thinking on leadership deficit, corruption, external dynamics, failure of institution building resulting in underdevelopment, and the challenges of democracy in Africa."
Babafemi A. Badejo, Professor of African Politics, lawyer, writer and formerly Head of Political Affairs at the UN Mission in Liberia.
“This is the most comprehensive book to teach African Politics. It provides excellent insights into the history and nature of the state in Africa, along with the complexities of development efforts. Full of direct and indirect recommendations, African Politics has an optimistic tone, intentionally including the voices of African women and youth in the political process.”
Tunde Babawale, Professor of African Politics and Provost, ICPC’s Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN).
“Toyin Falola, grandmaster of African History and Politics , has unlocked the past, present, and future trajectory of politics in Africa in this essential book. Combining the methods and substance of African history, political thought and theory, Falola provides illuminating insight into a fraught subject. This is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand African politics”.
Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President & Vice-Chancellor, African School of Governance (ASG).
"A compelling and comprehensive book dealing with the contemporary issues of African politics. The book cleverly connects the past to the current and the future. A must-read for students, policymakers and the global audience interested in understanding the past, current and future of Africa."
J. Jarpa Dawuni, Professor, Howard University, Fulbright Specialist Scholar and Visiting Professor, King’s College London (GIWL).
