Intellectual Agent, Mediator and Interlocutor: A. B. Assensoh and African Politics in Transition

Toyin Falola · Emmanuel M. Mbah

Jun 2014 · Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Ebook

365

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About this ebook

Encompassing the time period from the colonial era to the present day, this book critically examines the changing nature of African politics and the factors that underpin such changes. We argue in the volume that many of the problems that plague contemporary politics (ethnicity, governance, conflict, bad economic policies, the absence of dialogue and other social issues) have their roots in the fifteen years after the Second World War, just prior to independence (1945–1960). Because these issues had been grossly mismanaged by the colonial enterprise, those fifteen years could arguably be characterized as the incubation period for the dysfunction that has stymied African politics since independence. For it was during these transitional years that African leaders learned how not to speak to each other. How to introduce meaningful dialogue to address issues between and among Africans is where the transition in African politics stands today.

The approach used here is interdisciplinary, giving the book a wider appeal to those interested in history, political science, peace and conflict studies, international relations and many disciplines. Additionally, the topics covered are so important and intellectual, and have been penned by an A-team of African scholars that other scholars, students, and professionals can use the volume as a reference text. Therefore, college students (both undergraduate and graduate), college instructors, researchers, policy-makers and the development community working to stabilize Africa will find the book to be of immense importance. Furthermore, this volume will serve as a guide for advocates for the development community on how to address the numerous problems affecting the continent, as well as the correct approach to boosting public awareness about contemporary African issues.

About the author

Toyin Falola is the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities and Distinguished University Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the President of the African Studies Association.

Emmanuel M. Mbah is Associate Professor of History and Director of African American Studies at the City University of New York, College of Staten Island. His research focuses on conflict, ethnicity, and the socioeconomic and political life of Africans in colonial and postcolonial Africa; he has published numerous works in these areas.

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