Africa: A Continent Self-Destructs

by Peter Schwab

Can Africa survive? Many of the nations of sub-Saharan African have all but ceased to exist as organized states: tyranny, diseases such as AIDS, civil war, ethnic conflict and border invasions threaten the complete disintegration of a region. Peter Schwab offers a clear, authoritative portrait of a continent on the brink. Globalization and an accompanying level of economic health have passed over Africa. Added to these factors is a patronizing attitude from the West that change in Africa must take place within Western parameters, a UN that lacks any real power, and a US foreign policy in Africa that is unclear. Looking to South Africa as an example of successful Western support of an African nation, Schwab suggests that the US should use its leverage to help democrats into positions of power and then work with them under a framework dictated by the leaders themselves. It is only with a distinctly African approach to African problems that the survival of the continent can be assured.

Genres: Africa

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Paul Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but completely redundant - you only need The State of Africa by Martin Meredith now.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Factual, truthful, and hard-hitting, Schwab exposes most of the reasons Africa fails. Although many disagree with his assessment, only someone who has lived 20 plus years in Africa will understand the depth of truth and mastery of insight Schwab reveals.

[Michael Mangano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dismal outlook on the future and history of Africa... Don't make it your only read on Africa. Read Martin Meredith's "Fate of Africa" for a well-written descriptive of recent history.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

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