Democratic Contestation on the Margins: Regimes in Small African Countries

(Hardback)

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This edited volume focuses on the democratic performance of regimes in some of the least populous countries on the African continent. Using a framework developed by Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way, each case study provides in-depth analysis of democratic contestation in the following arenas: electoral, judiciary, legislature, media, and civil society. This volume also examines the key factors that push these regimes in either democratic or authoritarian directions, and how these regimes are likely to evolve in the future.

Reviews

This volume examines a number of demographically small African countries, which are also among the least-studied countries on earth. Each case study will be of intrinsic interest to those seeking to understand these little-known cases. More importantly, however, each chapter contributes crucial information on how these regimes might best be categorized for comparative theoretical analysis. By providing valuable and nuanced discussions of the nature of each of these cases, the volume also contributes important data for the elaboration of broader theories of democratization and regime change, in Africa and beyond. -- Leonardo A. Villaln, University of Florida International Center
The notion of competitive authoritarianism provides a better understanding of hybrid regimes executing political hegemony with authoritarian elements within a multi-party democracy. The case studies from smaller African countries in this volume offer further insights into this phenomenon and add value to the debate of a relevant concept. -- Henning Melber, University of Pretoria and the University of the Free State
This book fills an important gap by providing useful accounts of current politics in six small and infrequently discussed African states. Each case study uses the framework of competitive authoritarianism to present material on the main arenas of democratic contestation. I recommend this book to anyone seeking up-to-date comparative information on the struggles for democratization in these countries. -- Nelson Kasfir, Professor of Government Emeritus, Dartmouth College

Author Bio

Claire Metelits is a visiting scholar at Davidson College. Stephanie Matti works in humanitarian response.