Africa Since Independence: A Comparative History

by Paul Nugent

This is a genuinely comparative study of the different trajectories and experiences of independent African states. It addresses the differential legacies of British, French, Portuguese, Belgian and Spanish colonialism as well as the unique qualities of imperial Ethiopia and Liberia. Paul Nugent analyses boundary problems, the reshaping of territorial structures and the contrasting ideological paths followed by civilian and military regimes. The book ends with a look at the interplay between structural adjustment, ethnicity, democratization and the impact of NGOs. A state-level perspective is balanced by a sensitivity to popular culture.

Genres: History, Africa, Nonfiction

620 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Craig Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an easy read--the details is dense and the style can be heavy going--but a very good overview of a complicated set of issues. Especially in comparison with The Fate of Africa, it's a huge breath of fresh air. Particularly valuable for its discussion of regional tensions in Nigeria, Sudan and elsewhere and its excellent chapter contrasting Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, and Tanzania and Kenya during the period of economic development in the sixties and seventies.

[Lydia Hedelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's good, just really hard to read at times. It was very interesting but if it wasn't course literature i wouldn't have picked it up

[Mansoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brain is more wrinkled than Prince Phillip.

[Charles Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

In depth survey of political history of modern African states

[Teresa (nneeekis) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️ not an easy read…

[Paul Mastrodonato · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook.

[AskHistorians]

A very comprehensive look at the whole of Africa (including many regions north of the Sahara) and the post colonial state. A perhaps predictably long book there are few gaps in the knowledge contained within. Is approachable by new readers and experienced African history buffs alike.