Book Reviews

Africa. By Edward Bever. International Government & Politics Series. Phoenix, Arizona: Oryx Press 1996. 302 p. ISBN 0–89774–954–5.

Although it is one of the most diverse continents in almost every respect, Africa commands little attention from the world except in times of crisis. Stereotypes predominate whenever Africa is discussed. Africa by Edward Bever is an attempt to outline succinctly the governmental structures that exist in Africa. The author’s approach is largely historical. The book starts out with a general history of African politics through colonialism. The second part of the book outlines country by country the political developments that have occurred since independence. The final part of the book discusses Africa’s international relations and the social and economic as well as the political problems that face the continent. An advantage of this book is that it does not concentrate solely on sub–Sahara Africa but includes discussions of North Africa and the islands in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans that also form part of Africa.

The book is a handy reference guide to anyone who wants more facts about the politics of the African continent and each country that is a part of it. It should be especially useful to students, particularly at the secondary level, journalists, and nonspecialists who are doing research or need to know more about Africa. For instance during the crisis involving the overthrow of President Mobutu in Zaire, I found it useful to look up that country in this book. I found a four page summary of how Mobutu assumed and retained power for over thirty years. The book is part of the Oryx international government and politics series. Other books in the series discuss Central and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and the Middle East.

The structure of the book has certain advantages and certain very real defects. The first part fills the need for a short history of Africa from the beginning of time to the end of colonialism. The variety of pre–colonial political institutions is discussed. Comparing their vitality and accountability to the models introduced through colonial rule is disheartening. However, the influence of colonialism was pervasive and any thought of harkening back to the original models is probably unrealistic. Colonialism introduced authoritarian rule to Africa, and the second part of the book, which outlines the political experiences of each separate country, shows just how pervasive strong man or military rule is in Africa today. Recent events show some promise that this era is over, but Africa’s problems have become so immense that it is difficult to be optimistic.

The second part of the book can be overwhelming in its summary detail of one corrupt regime following another. Discussions of who was in power on any particular date are interesting as background material, but they do not depict the rich vibrancy of African life and culture and the independence and resilience of the African people themselves.

Part three of the book remedies to some extent the narrow focus on political institutions in part two. The creativity and naturally democratic side of the African people shows through here. Chapter 14 is an excellent discussion of international relations. In this area Africa can be regarded as a leader and the chapter explains how the continent has managed to survive the last thirty or more years with some sense of dignity and hopefulness. While corruption and cruelty has too often characterized the regimes within individual countries, there have been few conventional wars on the continent as a whole. This has been due in some part to good statesmanship and the use of mediation to solve interstate conflicts. Africa’s contacts with the West have been less successful. For years the West exploited Africa’s raw materials, giving Africa little in return. The recent austerity programs imposed by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have had severe repercussions for Africa’s economies, and the effects of those policies are likely to be felt long into the future.

Today Africa is faced with the highest birth rate in the world and also the highest mortality rate. Its economic outlook is bleak. Mass migrations to urban areas have produced virtually unsolvable social problems. Ethnic divisions continue, and a large class of children and young people has the potential of creating instability. (Or rather does it have the potential for great innovation?) The status of women still needs to be addressed. Environmental degradation — whether it be the transformation of grasslands into deserts or deforestation — threatens the very life of the continent if not of the world also. Each of these problems poses a challenge that must be met if Africa is to have any kind of a future. Nonetheless, for the first time in many years democratization looks promising, and it is possible that the African people themselves will come forward and put an end to the misery that has too long characterized their lives.

Dr. Bever does a good job in capturing both the diversity and the unity that characterizes Africa. His book should inspire others to compile other studies that take a more cultural or sociological focus.

About the author

Michael P. Seng is Professor of Law, The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois