Includes bibliographical references (p. [129]-143)

Democracy, prosperity and self-rule: this was the vision of African independence. Across the continent however, the optimism that characterised the immediate post-independence period has largely faded. Meanwhile, Ordinary Africans lurch between undemocratic, unaccountable and unresponsive governments and a decaying traditional past. How did things go wrong? why has the continent lagged behind others in economic development despite its rich natural resources? why are so many African states prone to conflict? And why has democracy been slow to take root in a majority of the countries? covering everything from African economies to the role of state, rural livelihoods to issues of gender, Politics in Africa offers a perspective in answering these questions, making the continent's problems more understandable, less wretched and even intensely.