Class, Ethnicity, and Democracy in Nigeria

Class, Ethnicity, and Democracy in Nigeria
Author: Larry Diamond
Publisher: Syracuse University Press
Total Pages: 400
Release: 1988-08-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780815624226

The overthrow in January 1966 of Nigeria’s First Republic erased what had been regarded as perhaps the most promising prospect for liberal democracy in post-colonial Africa. Marking the sweeping failure of parliamentary institutions across a continent of new nations, it accelerated the slide into a ghastly civil war. Class, Ethnicity and Democracy is the first scholarly study to analyze the evolution, decay, and failure of Nigeria’s First Republic and to weigh this crucial experience against theories of the conditions for stable democratic government. Rejecting explanations that focus on political culture, political institutions, or ethnic competition and conflict, Larry Diamond identifies the root of Nigeria’s democratic failure in the interrelationship between class, ethnic and state structures. This led the emergent dominant class in each region to mobilize and exploit ethnicity and to trample the democratic process in furious competition for state control, since that control was the primary means for accumulating wealth and consolidating class dominance. Tracing the polarization of conflict and the erosion of legitimacy through five major crises, Diamond presents a new methodology for analyzing the persistence and failure of democracies and points to the relationship between state and society as a crucial determinant of the possibility for liberal democracy.

A History of Nigeria

A History of Nigeria
Author: Toyin Falola
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 313
Release: 2008-04-24
Genre: History
ISBN: 1139472038

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and the world's eighth largest oil producer, but its success has been undermined in recent decades by ethnic and religious conflict, political instability, rampant official corruption and an ailing economy. Toyin Falola, a leading historian intimately acquainted with the region, and Matthew Heaton, who has worked extensively on African science and culture, combine their expertise to explain the context to Nigeria's recent troubles through an exploration of its pre-colonial and colonial past, and its journey from independence to statehood. By examining key themes such as colonialism, religion, slavery, nationalism and the economy, the authors show how Nigeria's history has been swayed by the vicissitudes of the world around it, and how Nigerians have adapted to meet these challenges. This book offers a unique portrayal of a resilient people living in a country with immense, but unrealized, potential.

The Yoruba from Prehistory to the Present

The Yoruba from Prehistory to the Present
Author: Aribidesi Usman
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 519
Release: 2019-07-04
Genre: History
ISBN: 1107064600

A rich and accessible account of Yoruba history, society and culture from the pre-colonial period to the present.

The Biafran War and Postcolonial Humanitarianism

The Biafran War and Postcolonial Humanitarianism
Author: Lasse Heerten
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 413
Release: 2017-09-28
Genre: History
ISBN: 1107111803

A global history of 'Biafra', providing a new explanation for the ascendance of humanitarianism in a postcolonial world.

Africa South of the Sahara

Africa South of the Sahara
Author: Robert Stock
Publisher: Guilford Press
Total Pages: 608
Release: 2012-12-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1462508111

This authoritative, widely adopted text provides a broad introduction to the geography of Africa south of the Sahara. The book analyzes the political, economic, social, and environmental processes that shape resource use and development in this large, diverse region. Students gain a context for understanding current development debates and addressing questions about the nature and sustainability of contemporary changes. Timely topics include the rise of foreign investment in Africa, the evolving geographies of rural-urban linkages, the birth of the Republic of South Sudan, and advances in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. New to This Edition: *Fully updated to reflect the latest data and trends in development. *Chapters on development theory, cultural and societal diversity, the political geography of postindependence Africa, economic integration, and the geography of poverty. *Substantially revised coverage of gender dynamics, urban living environments, mineral and energy resources, and many other topics. *Many of the 200+ maps, graphs, tables, and photographs are new or updated. Pedagogical Features Include: *Vignettes in every chapter that provide detailed case studies from a variety of countries and elaborate on key concepts. *Recommendations for further reading on each topic, including print and online sources. *Downloadable PowerPoint slides of all original figures, photos, and tables. *An extensive glossary.

The Coastal Niger Delta

The Coastal Niger Delta
Author: Michael Amaitari Niger
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2012
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1466910690

The author has been conscious for several years of the problems of flooding, erosion, and other natural constraints in the Delta. These are his experiences, his knowledge of the coastal Niger Delta region. His MPhil and PhD research were on these problems. Above all, he was born and grew up in the delta, which gave him the determination to find solutions to the problems that have been giving the authorities the excuse to neglect the region, since its independence in 1960. The influence that these scourges exercise on the region is as much human as the topography of the environment and the morphology of the towns. He believes that there are solutions and engaged himself in finding these solutions.

Infrastructure Development in Nigeria

Infrastructure Development in Nigeria
Author: Michael O. Onolememen
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 165
Release: 2020-01-22
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1000026353

This book examines the politics and economics of infrastructure development in Nigeria from Independence in 1960 up to 2015, and the role of good governance in promoting the socioeconomic wellbeing of citizens. Arguing for the need for transformational leadership in infrastructure development, the chapters examine policy issues and survey the various administrative, economic, and social-political reforms that have impacted infrastructure development in Nigeria. The author also discusses current national development plans and Vision 20:2020; challenges to infrastructure development, including corruption; and the future potential of a strong infrastructure network for the economy and citizens. Drawing upon his experience within government departments, as well as existing models of leadership and governance, the author explores the role of infrastructure development in promoting the wellbeing and growth of Nigeria. Combining theory with practical examples of good governance, this book will be of interest for students and researchers of political science and infrastructure development in Africa.