Post-Conflict Institutional Design

Peacebuilding and Democracy in Africa

Abu Bakarr Bah editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:26th Aug '21

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Post-Conflict Institutional Design cover

Examines the redesign of state institutions in post-war African countries arguing for a more consociational approach to peacebuilding and democracy.

Since gaining independence from colonial rule, most African countries have been struggling to build democratic and peaceful states. While African multiparty politics may be viewed as a democratic system of governance, in reality it is plagued by ethnic and regional political grievances that undermine meaningful democracy.

By examining post-conflict institutional reforms in several African countries, this book sheds light on the common causes of violent conflicts and how institutional design can affect the conditions for peace and democracy in Africa. Focussing on conceptual and practical questions of designing ethnically and regionally inclusive state institutions and the way institutions are perceived by the citizenry Post-Conflict Institutional Design addresses political autonomy and control over resources, issues which are often key sources of ethnic and regional grievances. Crucially, it examines the meanings of institutional reforms as well ethnic and regional representation.

A creative multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the drivers of violent conflict in Africa, and an important set of contributions to the design of post-conflict political-institutional arrangements. * Alex de Waal, World Peace Foundation *
This book valuably illustrates how post-conflict institutional design provides no ready-made template for peaceful governance in Africa, but must be deeply integrated into an understanding of the sources of violence and available social mechanisms for its resolution in each specific case. * Christopher Clapham, University of Cambridge *
This is a thought provoking and interesting book that provides new perspectives on peacebuilding and democracy in Africa by bringing together a set of valuable case studies that combine empirical detail with new theoretical perspectives. I enjoyed it immensely. * Nic Cheeseman, University of Birmingham and author of Democracy in Africa *
In this innovative and holistic collection, a diverse cast of authors revisit questions of identity, economy and institutions in Africa with sensitivity and nuance. An excellent overview of the challenges and the strengths confronting the continent today. * Zachariah Mampilly, Baruch College *

ISBN: 9781786998019

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 286g

256 pages