African Arguments is a series of short books about contemporary Africa and the critical issues and debates surrounding the continent, for example on Darfur, Africa’s political relations with the US, Britain and China, HIV/Aids, aid, democracy, climate change, and development. The books are scholarly and engaged, substantive and topical.
International African Arguments series
The Trouble with Aid. Why Less Could Mean More for Africa
Jonathan Glennie
Jonathan Glennie's excellent and immensely readable book presents a compelling case not to demand ever more aid, but rather to seek the more fundamental changes in the global economy which could reduce dependency on aid and contribute to the ultimate eradication of poverty.
'At last a book that speaks frankly to the fundamentals of aid and how it is delivered. Ignore this book at your peril; this is an issue we cannot relegate to the sidelines of development.' - Charles Mutasa, Director, Africa Forum and Network on Development and Debt (AFRODAD)
Jonathan Glennie is a senior policy analyst at Christian Aid.
ISBN 978184813040 c.200pp. Nov 2008
International African Arguments series
Life after Violence. A People’s Story of Burundi
Peter Uvin
Burundi emerged from twelve years of devastating civil war with its economy destroyed and hundreds and thousands of people killed. In this book, the voices of ordinary Burundians are heard for the first time. Farmers, artisans, traders, mothers, soldiers and students talk about the past and the future, war and peace, their hopes for a better life and their relationships with each other and the state. Young men, in particular, often seen as the cause of violence and war, talk about the difficulties of living up to standards of masculinity in an impoverished and war-torn society.
The author pitches the ideas and aspirations of people on the ground against the theory and assumptions often made by the international development and peace-building agencies and organizations. Both shared goals and misunderstandings are revealed, opening perspectives on conflict, society and development in Africa and across the world.
Peter Uvin is the Henry J. Leir Professor of International Humanitarian Studies and Academic Dean at the Fletcher School, Tufts University.
ISBN 9781848131804, c.200pp. Nov 2008
International African Arguments series
Britain in Africa
Tom Porteous
This book seeks to answer questions about Britain’s role in Africa and the policies of the Labour government since 1997. It considers the interests the UK is seeking to uphold, the impact of the tripling of aid to Africa in the shadows of the ‘war on terror’ and the war in Iraq.
'This is the most helpful and illuminating book on a Western country's foreign policy in Africa for a very long time. Porteous takes us behind the scenes into the policy world itself. Rarely have such intricacies been conveyed so compellingly.' – Jane Guyer, Johns Hopkins University
Tom Porteous is the London Director of Human Rights Watch.
ISBN 9781842779767, 158pp. 2008
International African Arguments series
Darfur. A New History of a Long War
Julie Flint and Alex de Waal
Two authors with unparalleled experience of Darfur investigate a complex and fascinating story of a remarkable and remote region of Africa, and its war of hideous proportions, which the United Nations has deemed ‘the world’s worst humanitarian crisis’. The book details the history of Darfur, its conflicts, and the designs on the region by the governments in Khartoum and Tripoli, the infamous ‘Janjawid’ militia, the nature of the insurrection launched by two rebel groups, the radical Sudan Liberation Army and the more Islamist-oriented Justics and Equity Movement. It charts the unfolding crisis and the confused international response, including the African Union’s first major venture into peacemaking and peacekeeping, outlining what the future may hold for the region.
Julie Flint is a journalist and filmmaker who has been writing about Sudan since 1992.
Alex de Waal is a writer and activist on African issues. He is a programme director at the Social Science Research Council and a fellow of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.
'This is among the best works available on the current Darfur crisis. For a blow by blow account of developments, there is none better.' – Mahmood Mamdani, University of Columbia
ISBN 9781842779507, 336pp. May 2008
International African Arguments series
China in Africa
Chris Alden
This book investigates the emerging relationship between China and Africa. Alden argues that in order to understand Chinese involvement on the continent, we need to recognize the range of economic, diplomatic and security rationales behind Beijing’s Africa policy, as well as the response of African elites to China’s entreaties.
‘In this elegant and engaging study, Chris Alden brings together the key pieces that define the complex mosaic of China's recent engagement in Africa. Analytically sophisticated and drawing on an impressive vein of evidence, this book must be welcomed both as an illuminating account and for its measured judgment.' - Garth le Pere, Institute for Global Dialogue, South Africa
Chris Alden is Senior Lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics.
ISBN 9781842778647, 154pp. 2007
International African Arguments series
The United States in Africa. Bush Policy and Beyond
Raymond W. Copson
This book contests the rhetorical claims of the US administration that it is bringing peace, democracy and development to Africa, arguing that US policy falls well short of meeting standards of fairness and justice.
‘…cogently and succinctly dissects US President George W. Bush's array of policy initiatives toward Africa from 2001 to early 2007. One by one, the initiatives come under the knife and are cut to pieces…a great pleasure to read.’ – African Affairs
Raymond Copson is an independent scholar specializing in African affairs and US-Africa relations.
ISBN 9781842779156, 170pp. 2007
International African Arguments series
Trial Justice. The International Criminal Court and the Lord's Resistance Army
Tim Allen
Drawing on field research in Uganda, this book illustrates how the International Criminal Court ran into serious problems with its first big case on northern Uganda. The ICC has confronted outright hostility from a wide range of groups, including traditional leaders, representatives of the Catholic and Anglican Churches, and non-governmental organizations. For many, the Court is spoiling the peace process and is making continued warfare and suffering more likely. This book argues that much of the antipathy to the ICC is based upon ignorance and misconception. It shows that victims are much more interested in punitive international justice than has been suggested.
‘A seminal work that carefully evaluates the conflict that has raged in the region for nearly twenty years. Allen is an anthropologist...who has been working in Northern Uganda for some time. His work, therefore, is of significant value. He is one of a handful of authors...whose writing is supported by a deep knowledge and clear understanding of both the social complexities and the political realities of the region.' – Joanna Quinn, Transitional Justice Forum
Tim Allen is a Reader at the London School of Economics and Programme Director of the post-graduate programme in Development Studies.
ISBN 9781842777374, 176pp. 2006
International African Arguments series
Aids and Power. Why there is no political crisis - yet
Alex de Waal
The HIV/AIDS crisis is a stunning cataclysm, plunging life expectancy to pre-modern levels and orphaning millions of children. Yet political trauma does not grip Africa. People living with AIDS are not rioting in the streets or overthrowing governments. In fact, democratic governance is spreading. AIDS and Power explains how political leaders have successfully managed the AIDS epidemic so as to overcome any threats to their power. Partly because of pervasive denial, AIDS is not a political priority for electorates, and therefore not for democratic leaders either.
Meantime, AIDS activists have not directly challenged the political order, instead using international networks to promote a rights-based approach to tackling the epidemic.
In contrast, both African governments and international agencies have a sorry record of tackling the epidemic and public health crisis itself. The study concludes that without political incentives, this failure will persist.
Alex de Waal is a writer and activist on African issues. He is a programme director at the Social Science Research Council and a fellow of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.
ISBN 9781842777077, 147pp. 2006
