States of Africa
- NINT 5329 - States of Africa (Spring 2010)
The modern state is of central interest to students of international relations, political and economic development, and comparative politics. This seminar will inquire in to the various states of Africa in their full diversity with a constant eye to two themes: 1) the specificity of the post-colonial African state as an historical formation and 2) the ways in which African states are instantiations of the contemporary global political economy. We will explore the historical trajectories of African states, their ways of interfacing with civil societies, and their insertion in the world economy. The following questions will be the basis of discussion: Under what historical circumstances did nation-states in Africa emerge? What are the core assumptions about the nature of the modern nation-state that inform our understandings or misunderstandings about contemporary African states? How can we best characterize the "post-colonial state"? Is it useful or even sensible to talk about "failed states" in Africa today? What kinds of political contexts for action are states in Africa producing today? We will ultimately consider whether states of Africa are fundamentally distinct from state formations elsewhere in the world.
Concentrations:Development, Governance and Rights