1st Edition

Routledge Handbook of Democratization in Africa

Edited By Gabrielle Lynch, Peter VonDoepp Copyright 2020
    498 Pages
    by Routledge

    498 Pages 41 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    This volume explores the issues and debates surrounding the ongoing processes of democratization in sub-Saharan Africa, illuminating the central dynamics characterizing Africa’s democratic experiments, and considering the connections between democratization and economic, social, and cultural developments on the continent.





    Reflecting the diverse and rich nature of this field of study, the Handbook of Democratization in Africa features more than thirty contributions structured into six thematic sections:







    • The politics and paths of regime development


    • Institutional dynamics


    • Political mobilization and voting dynamics


    • The politics of identity


    • Social forces from below


    • The consequences of democracy.




    Chapters offer overviews of the key scholarship on particular topics, including central insights from the latest research, and provide suggestions for those interested in further inquiry. The material includes attention to broad cross-continental patterns, for example with respect to public opinion, political violence, or the role of different institutions and actors. It also includes rich case material, drawing on and highlighting the experiences of a diverse collection of countries.





    Encouraging a comprehensive view of key concerns and enhancing understanding of particular issues, the Handbook of Democratization in Africa represents a critical resource for experts and students of African politics, democratization, and African studies.

    Part 1: The politics and paths of regime development  1. Neopatrimonialism and democracy  2. Pathways to democracy  3. Post-conflict democratization and power-sharing  4. The impact of foreign aid  5. Natural resources  Part 2: Institutional dynamics  6. Federalism and devolution  7. The struggle for presidential term limits  8. Executive power and horizontal development  9. The politics of legislative development  10. Judicial power  11. Militaries  12. Electoral administration  Part 3: Political mobilization and voting dynamics  13. Voting behavior  14. Clientelism  15. Campaign strategies  16. Political parties and party systems  17. Opposition coalitions  18. The use of electoral violence  Part 4: The politics of identity  19. Christianity and democracy  20. Islam and democracy  21. Gender politics  22. Ethnic politics  23. Generational dynamics and the politics of youth  Part 5: Social forces from below  24. Public opinion and democratic legitimacy  25. Civil society  26. Digital media, networked spaces, and politics  27. Popular protest and accountability  28. Urban politics  Part 6: The consequences of democracy  29. Economic growth and development  30. Corruption  31. Sexual minority rights  32. Citizenship 

    Biography

    Gabrielle Lynch is Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Warwick, UK.



    Peter VonDoepp is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Vermont, USA.