Africa, Overcoming Personal Rule

By Risa Takahashi

THE DEVELOPMENTAL TRAP• Conditions of Africa

1. 23 poorest countries 2. HIV/AIDS problem 3. Not enough drinking water 4. Under nutrition5. Low life expectancy

FIGURE 11.1 WORLD BANK GOVERNANCE RANKINGS, 2005

THE PATHODOLOGY OF PERSONAL RULE

• Why is Africa economically stagnated and politically corrupted?

• “corrupt, lawless, personal rule” (pp. 247).• Do African countries need change in leader?

AFRICA’S (SOMEWHAT) NEW POLITICAL ERA

• Change in political system: democracy• Now, African presidents feel pressured due to

International pressure and public opinion• “the growth of civil society” (pp. 256)

THE BAROMETER OF DEMOCRACY• More than half of African counties prefer

democracy and reject military rule, one-party rule, and one-man rule.

• “The problem is not that Africans do not value and demand democracy but rather that African parties and politicians are not meeting their citizens’ aspirations” (Diamond, 258).

• “supply of democracy” (pp. 258).• “demand for democracy” (pp. 259)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How can African countries successfully pursue democracy? What is necessary?

1. Change in political system (democracy) 2. Change in election (free and fair)3. International support4. public opinion and civil society

What is the outcome of democracy in Africa?1. Public goods are distributed to the people.

Does democracy lead development? YES

What is allowing and hindering What is allowing and hindering democracy in Africa?democracy in Africa?

1. Change in political system and election, International support and public opinion and civil society allow democracy in Africa.2. Electoral system in Africa and African politicians and parties hinder democracy in Africa.