The Fate of Africa's Democratic Experiments Elites and Institutions [Paperback]

Does Western-style democracy make sense in the various geographic, economic, and social settings of the continent? How far toward democracy have recent liberalization movements gone? In The Fate of Africas Democratic Experiments, Leonardo A. Villal?n, Peter VonDoepp, and an international group of contributors consider the aftermath, success, failure, and future of the wave of democracy that swept Africa in the early 1990s. In some countries, democratic movements flourished, while in others, democratic success was more circumscribed. This detailed analysis of key political events in countries at the forefront of democratic changeBenin, Central African Republic, Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, and Zambiaprovides for broadly representative continental and linguistic coverage of directions and prospects for Africas democracies.

The contributors are Michael Chege, John F. Clark, Joshua B. Forrest, Abdourahmane Idrissa, Bruce Magnusson, Carrie Manning, Richard R. Marcus, Andreas Mehler, David J. Simon, Leonardo A. Villal?n, and Peter VonDoepp.

Leonardo A. Villal?n is Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the African Studies Center at the University of Florida.

Peter VonDoepp is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of North Texas.

Contents<\>
Preface

1. Elites, Institutions, and the Varied Trajectories of Africa's Third Wave Democracies Peter VonDoepp and Leonardo A. Villal?n
2. Repetitive Breakdowns and a Decade of Experimentation: Institutional Choices and Unstable Democracy in Niger Leonardo A. Villal?n and Abdourahmane Idrissa
3. The Tribulations of a Successful Transition: Institutional Dynamics and Elite Rivalry in Mali Leonardo A. Villal?n and Abdourahmane Idrissa
4. Democratic Legitimacy in Benin: Institutions and Identity in a Regional Context Bruce A. Magnusson
5. The Collapse of the Democratic lók