Global Geopolitical Power and African Political and Economic Institutions: When Elephants Fight

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Global Geopolitical Power and African Political and Economic Institutions: When Elephants Fight describes the emergence and nature of the prevailing African political and economic institutions in two periods. In the first, most countries adopted political and economic institutions that funneled significant levels of political and economic power to the political elites, usually through one- or no-party (military) political systems, inward-oriented development policies, and/ or state-ledand often state-ownedindustrialization. In the second period, most countries adopted institutions that diluted the overarching political and economic power of ruling elites through the adoption of de jure multiparty electoral systems, more outward-oriented trade policies, and the privatization of many state owned or controlled sectors, though significant political and economic power remains in their hands. The choices made in each period were consistent with prevailing ideas on governance and development, the self-interests of political elites, and the perceived availability of support or autonomy vis--vis domestic, regional, and international sources of power at the time. This book illustrates how these two region-wide shifts in prevailing political and economic institutions and practices of Africa can be linked to two prior global geopolitical realignments: the end of WWII with the ensuing American and Soviet led bipolar system, and the end of the Cold War with American primacy. Each period featured changed or newly empowered international and regional leaders with competing national priorities within new intellectual and geopolitical climates, altering the opportunities and constraints for African leaders in instituting or maintaining particular political and economic institutions or practices. The economic and political institutions of Africa that emerged did so as a result of a complex mix of contending domestic, regional, and international forces (material and intellectual)all which were themselves greatly transformed in the wake of these two global geopolitical realignments.

Reviews

This well-documented, thought-provoking book represents an excellent synthesis of trends in African politics and economics since the era of independence to the present. Quinn links changes in sub-Saharan states to global shifts, notably the postWW II rush of decolonization and postCold War moves toward greater liberalization. The first period ranged from Ghanas 1957 independence to the post1965 wave of military coups. During this period, international power shifted from multipolarity, in which France and Great Britain were major players, to USUSSR bipolarity. The second period started around 1989 and continued to about 1996, with American global preeminence, the partial decay of single partydominant systems, and the facade of competitive elections in Africa. Quinns greatest contribution comes through integrating historical events with changed economic theories and centers of power. He demonstrates statistical links between higher levels of civil and political rights and state ownership of non-oil and non-mineral industries. Quinn concludes that since the Cold War, the outward appearance of African political and economic institutions shifted somewhat. Reforms were carried out largely to satisfy donors. To institutionalize real democratic competition, however, repeated competitive elections with established procedures are essential. Africas new road seems to be one of emerging capitalism with weakly institutionalized electoral regimes, with usually one dominant political party. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students and faculty. * CHOICE *
When Elephants Fight is a lengthy explanation of how African politicians and elected leaders have dealt with an imposed hierarchical relationship even as their citizen constituents have developed new and greater social service expectations (e.g. modern schools, clinics, transportation) without delays or corruption and with greater independence from U.S. or World Bank demands via Structural Adjustment Programs which have increased the price of basic foodstuffs, petrol, and electricity. Students taking Quinns course and charged with producing term or semester papers or even a Masters thesis and needing to understand these complex hierarchical relationships, may find the scholarly language he relies upon to be a challenge, but they can benefit from the structure of the book: the sub-chapter headings; the extensive footnotes associated with each chapter; the Conclusions associated with each chapter; and the long bibliography. * Peace Corps Worldwide *
The monograph is convincing and Quinns intricate theoretical linkage from international system and domestic factors to political and economic governance outcomes in Africa is a valuable contribution to the field. . . Africanists will benefit from Quinns careful consideration of the overall effect of changes in the international system on politics across the sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile International Relations scholars will be grateful for how he maps out how hierarchical relations between states can affect regional politics during periods that are critical junctures. * African Affairs *
Scholars and students alike will benefit from Quinns clearly written and clear-sighted analysis of the phases of African development from the colonial era to the present time. Unlike others, Quinn demonstrates the many and varied interactions between changes in the international arena and the transformations that have taken place in Africas domestic political arrangements and the economic policies of African governments. -- Michael Lofchie, UCLA
Global Geopolitical Power and African Economic and Political Institutions is a major work of scholarship. Quinn provides an authoritative treatment of how the political economy of Sub-Saharan Africa responded to the massive shifts represented by World War II and the end of the Cold War. The range of issues explored in this lucid exposition is comprehensive, notably in relation to changes in political systems and economic policies. Quinns forward-looking treatment also offers stimulating ideas about how Africa will evolve as a whole in the context of the War on Terror, the rise of China, and other significant contemporary developments. This book is essential reading for those with general interests in Africa, along with readers looking for a compelling analysis of the politics and economics of that region. -- Patrick James, University of Southern California

Author Bio

John James Quinn is professor of political science at Truman State University.