Authoritarian Origins of Democratic Party Systems in Africa

Authoritarian Origins of Democratic Party Systems in Africa
Author: Rachel Beatty Riedl
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 287
Release: 2014-02-13
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1139916904

Why have seemingly similar African countries developed very different forms of democratic party systems? Despite virtually ubiquitous conditions that are assumed to be challenging to democracy - low levels of economic development, high ethnic heterogeneity, and weak state capacity - nearly two dozen African countries have maintained democratic competition since the early 1990s. Yet the forms of party system competition vary greatly: from highly stable, nationally organized, well-institutionalized party systems to incredibly volatile, particularistic parties in systems with low institutionalization. To explain their divergent development, Rachel Beatty Riedl points to earlier authoritarian strategies to consolidate support and maintain power. The initial stages of democratic opening provide an opportunity for authoritarian incumbents to attempt to shape the rules of the new multiparty system in their own interests, but their power to do so depends on the extent of local support built up over time.

Multiparty Democracy and Political Change

Multiparty Democracy and Political Change
Author: John Mukum Mbaku
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 307
Release: 2018-12-20
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0429835752

First published in 1998, This book is written by seasoned scholars of African Studies and it intended to make a significant contribution to the debate on democracy and democratization in the continent. It contains a rich mixture of analytical ideas and views on the transition to accountable, participatory, and democratic governance structures in Africa. It provides both students of African political economy and policymakers in the continent and in-depth analysis of the post-independence experience of African countries with institutional reforms. Specifically, it looks at the struggles of Africans, since independence, to provide themselves with more appropriate and viable governance structures and economic systems that enhance the ability to entrepreneurs to create wealth. The Book breaks new ground in that it places significant emphasis on the reconstruction of the neo-colonial state as an important first step to a successful transition to democratic and more accountable governance structures.

The Centrist Manifesto

The Centrist Manifesto
Author: Charles Wheelan
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Total Pages: 128
Release: 2013-04-19
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0393347133

A vision—and detailed road map to power—for a new party that will champion America’s rational center. From debt ceiling standoffs to single-digit Congress approval ratings, America’s political system has never been more polarized—or paralyzed—than it is today. As best-selling author and public policy expert Charles Wheelan writes, now is the time for a pragmatic Centrist party that will identify and embrace the best Democratic and Republican ideals, moving us forward on the most urgent issues for our nation. Wheelan—who not only lectures on public policy but practices it as well (he ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2009)—brings even more than his usual wit and clarity of vision to The Centrist Manifesto. He outlines a realistic ground game that could net at least five Centrist senators from New England, the Midwest, and elsewhere. With the power to deny a red or blue Senate majority, committed Centrists could take the first step toward giving voice and power to America’s largest, and most rational, voting bloc: the center.

Historical Dictionary of Zambia

Historical Dictionary of Zambia
Author: Bizeck Jube Phiri
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 627
Release: 2023-08-15
Genre: History
ISBN: 1538146029

Zambia is a nation with a long record of peace, that has enjoyed decades of constitutional rule, and even, in recent years, an increasingly competitive democracy. Peace, constitutionalism, democracy, and nationhood face constant challenges, such as in the elections of 2006 when the ugly language of ethnic confrontation found renewed currency. Moreover, Zambia's economic record and prospects are less equivocal: after over four decades, per capita incomes are lower than they were at the dawn of independence. Historical Dictionary of Zambia, Fourth Edition contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has more than 1,000 cross-referenced entries on important personalities as well as aspects of the country’s politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Zambia.

The Statesman's Year-Book 1995-96

The Statesman's Year-Book 1995-96
Author: B. Hunter
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 1741
Release: 2016-12-29
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0230271243

Reviews of previous editions: `This book should be in every office which is concerned with world trade and, indeed, in every school which produces the future traders. It is an essential tool of all global thinking.' - The Geographical Magazine The 132nd edition of The Statesman's Year-Book has been thoroughly revised and updated to present a political, economic and social record of the nations of the world in a period of continuing changes. Areas covered range from history, population, constitution and government, international relations, energy and natural resources, industry, agriculture, international trade, communications, industry, agriculture, justice, religion and education. Important features of this edition include recent developments in the European Union, Bosnia, Israel, Russia and South Africa, new national anthems, and updates on radio and television broadcasting services. Last year also saw the introduction of locator maps for each country. The Statesman's Year-Book was chosen by The Good Book Guide for Business as one of the 600 essential books for the international manager

Constituting Democracy

Constituting Democracy
Author: Heinz Klug
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 292
Release: 2000
Genre: Apartheid
ISBN: 9780521786430

This book explores the role of constitutionalism in facilitating political change in South Africa.

The Statesman's Year-Book, 1996-7

The Statesman's Year-Book, 1996-7
Author: B. Hunter
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 1746
Release: 2016-12-27
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0230271251

The 133rd edition of The Statesman's Year-Book is completely revised and updated. Widely respected as an authoritative and accessible reference work, The Statesman's Year-Book provides the basic building blocks of knowledge about any country in the world - constitution and government, international relations, industry, agriculture, trade and social issues. Known as a 'people, events and statistics' work, this year's edition includes accounts of the latest developments in trouble-spots such as Bosnia, Israel and Northern Ireland, and records the results of recent elections in Italy, Austria, Spain and Turkey.