Description
Book SynopsisSince gaining independence from colonial rule, most African countries have been struggling to build democratic and peaceful states. While African multiparty politics may be viewed as a democratic system of governance, in reality it is plagued by ethnic and regional political grievances that undermine meaningful democracy. By examining post-conflict institutional reforms in several African countries, this book sheds light on the common causes of violent conflicts and how institutional design can affect the conditions for peace and democracy in Africa. Focussing on conceptual and practical questions of designing ethnically and regionally inclusive state institutions and the way institutions are perceived by the citizenry
Post-Conflict Institutional Design addresses political autonomy and control over resources, issues which are often key sources of ethnic and regional grievances. Crucially, it examines the meanings of institutional reforms as well ethnic and regional representation.
Trade ReviewA creative multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the drivers of violent conflict in Africa, and an important set of contributions to the design of post-conflict political-institutional arrangements. * Alex de Waal, World Peace Foundation *
This book valuably illustrates how post-conflict institutional design provides no ready-made template for peaceful governance in Africa, but must be deeply integrated into an understanding of the sources of violence and available social mechanisms for its resolution in each specific case. * Christopher Clapham, University of Cambridge *
This is a thought provoking and interesting book that provides new perspectives on peacebuilding and democracy in Africa by bringing together a set of valuable case studies that combine empirical detail with new theoretical perspectives. I enjoyed it immensely. * Nic Cheeseman, University of Birmingham and author of Democracy in Africa *
In this innovative and holistic collection, a diverse cast of authors revisit questions of identity, economy and institutions in Africa with sensitivity and nuance. An excellent overview of the challenges and the strengths confronting the continent today. * Zachariah Mampilly, Baruch College *
Table of Contents1: Introduction: Institutional Design, Peacebuilding, and Democracy -Abu Bakarr Bah 2: The African Human Rights System and the Right to Autonomy - Niklas Hultin 3: Democracy, Postwar Transition and Peacebuilding in Music Videos From Uganda -Okaka Opio Dokotum 4: Harnessing Memory Institutions for Peace and Justice: The Case of South Africa - David Mwambari & Iris Nxumalo 5: Natural Resource Reforms in Postwar Liberia and Sierra Leone: Contradictions and Tensions - Michael D. Beevers 6: Devolution and Electoral Violence in Kenya - Aditi Malik 7: Institutional Design, Democracy, and Peacebuilding in Africa - Abu Bakarr Bah & Fredrick Ogenga
