Examining Human Rights Issues and the Democracy Project in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Theoretical Critique and Prospects for Progress in the Millennium

Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing an impressive measure of economic revivalism that is driven by both national and international forces at the beginning of the twenty-first century. That political and business leaders in the region are determined that development in this millennium will not mimic the slow pace of growth in the twentieth is a given. Undoubtedly, the rapid spread of information communications technology (ICT) and contemporary investments of China in the region’s growth agenda bear this thesis out. This book, among other things, advances the theory that improving human rights practices and the democracy project—i.e. democratic consolidation in sub-Saharan Africa will create an enabling environment that is critical for stimulating the current inspiring development objectives.

Table of Contents:
Chapter One: General Introduction: A Theoretical Discourse on the Issue Chapter Two: South Africa Chapter Three: Kenya Chapter Four: Ethiopia Chapter Five: Mozambique Chapter Six: Liberia Chapter Seven: Nigeria Chapter Eight:Human Rights and the Democracy Project

About the Author :
E. Ike Udogu is faculty fellow and professor of international, comparative, and African politics at Appalachian State University. He is the author of numerous articles and books including Liberating Namibia.

Review :
The book is well-crafted, easy to read, and a testament to the author’s mastery of academic writing. . . .Udogu, overall, does a remarkable job in briefly summarizing the political history of Africa and not just of the states picked for close scrutiny. The book is commendable as an introductory reading to students of African politics. . . .In addition to being a good read in political history, the book successfully introduces the reader to common themes and problems confronting the modern African state. This book makes an invaluable contribution to both the academic literature and policy praxis by empirically arguing that the trilogy of human rights, the broader democracy project, and development are inextricably linked and that no one part can exist and function successfully without the other. Udogu illuminates this thesis by examining six case studies. This volume contains an extremely rigorous and informative analysis of the human rights situation in sub-Saharan Africa. Examining Human Rights Issues and the Democracy Project in Sub-Saharan Africa sufficiently and effectively draws out the important link between the protection of human rights and the deepening and institutionalization of democracy. Professor Udogu presents a compelling and credible story for making the protection of human rights the center of a country’s poverty alleviation and development policy. This is a refreshing, rigorous, informative and multidisciplinary analysis of human rights and political development in sub-Saharan Africa. Students of African political economy, policymakers, and anyone interested in human development in the region should find this study especially useful.