Rethinking current explanations of political changes in Sub-Saharan Africa
Article Abstract:
It can be argued that economic problems combined with political repression to prompt political reform in Africa in the period 1989 to 1992. Economic crisis is not necessarily directly opposed to intra-elite dissension as a driving force behind democratic transition in Sub-Saharan Africa. Political liberalization seems to have become possible mainly because of Africa's difficult social conditions, particularly its poverty and repressive or violent politics. Incumbent authoritarian regimes did not address economic problems or stop political repression, and this seems to have encouraged opposition elements in their calls for wider political changes.
Publication Name: Journal of Third World Studies
Subject: Regional focus/area studies
ISSN: 8755-3449
Year: 1999
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Africa's second democratic transition
Article Abstract:
'Multiparty Democracy and Political Change: Constraints to Democratization' offers an excellent study on Africa's second democratic transition. The book examines the return of democracy and liberalization in Africa during the post-Cold War era. Authors John Mbaku and Julius Ihonvbere claim that the use of a critical interdisciplinary approach afforded an in-depth analysis of the crisis of governance in African nations outside of the context of World Bank-imposed adjustment programs.
Publication Name: Journal of Third World Studies
Subject: Regional focus/area studies
ISSN: 8755-3449
Year: 1999
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Democratization in Africa: the political face of SAPs
Article Abstract:
Some economists and historians argue that Western nations used structural adjustment programs (SAPs) to coerce authoritarian regimes in Africa to adopt more liberal policies. However, an analysis of African democratization reveals that SAPs were not able to force oppressive regimes to change their style of politics. SAPs only encouraged the development of policies that seem liberal and democratic.
Publication Name: Journal of Third World Studies
Subject: Regional focus/area studies
ISSN: 8755-3449
Year: 1995
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