Includes bibliographical references and index.

An introduction to African politics / David M. Anderson, and Nic Cheeseman -- Pt. 1. The politics of the state -- Ch. 1. Nationalism, one-party states, and military states / Nic Cheeseman -- Ch. 2. Federalism and decentralization / Rotini T. Suberu -- Ch. 3. The rule of law and the courts / Peter Von Doepp -- Ch. 4. Security and the privatization of force and violence / Rita Abrahamsen -- Ch. 5. Neopatrimonialism and political regimes / Gero Erdmann -- Ch. 6. The informal practices of civil servants / Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan -- Pt. 2. The politics of identity -- Ch. 7. Class politics / Bill Freund -- Ch. 8. The politics of ethnicity / Gabrielle Lynch -- Ch. 9. Autochthony and the politics of belonging / Peter Geschiere -- Ch. 10. Religion and politics / Stephen Ellis and Gerrie ter Haar -- Ch. 11. Muslim politics in West Africa / Leonardo A. Villalón. -- Ch. 12. Women in politics / Amina Mama -- Ch. 13. Civil war / Philip Roessler -- Ch. 14. Oil politics / Ricardo Soares de Oliveira -- Ch. 15. Power-sharing / Andreas Mehler -- Ch. 16. Post-conflict peacebuilding / Devon Curtis -- Ch. 17. Transitional justice after atrocity / Phil Clark -- Pt. 4. Democracy and electoral politics -- Ch. 18. Electoral authoritarianism and multi-party politics / Nicolas van de Walle -- Ch. 19. The power of elections / Staffan I. Lindberg -- Ch. 20. Emerging legislatures / Joel D. Barkan -- Ch. 21. Political parties / Matthijs Bogaards -- Ch. 22. Public opinion and democratic consolidation / Michael Bratton -- Pt. 5. Political economy and development -- Ch. 23. Aid, trade, investment, and dependency / Martin Williams -- Ch. 24. Social policy / Jeremy Seekings -- Ch. 25. NGOs / Michael Jennings -- Ch. 26. The economy of affection / Göran Hydén -- Ch. 27. The politics of development / Tim Kelsall -- Pt. 6. International relations -- Ch. 28. Africa and the global economy / Richard E. Mshomba -- Ch. 29. Pan-Africanism and regional integration / Gilbert M. Khadiagala -- Ch. 30. Terrorism, security, and the state / Ken Menkhaus -- Ch. 31. Democracy promotion / Stephen Brown -- Ch. 32. China and Africa / Chris Alden

Provides a comprehensive and cutting-edge examination of this important continent, surveying key debates and controversies, dealing with each of the major issues to be found in Africa's politics today.