Africa, Overcoming Personal Rule
By Risa Takahashi

THE DEVELOPMENTAL TRAP
• Conditions of Africa
1. 23 poorest countries
2. HIV/AIDS problem
3. Not enough drinking water
4. Under nutrition
5. Low life expectancy

FIGURE 11.1 WORLD BANK
GOVERNANCE RANKINGS, 2005

THE PATHODOLOGY OF PERSONAL
RULE
• Why is Africa economically stagnated and politically corrupted?
• “corrupt, lawless, personal rule” (pp. 247).
• Do African countries need change in leader?

AFRICA’S (SOMEWHAT) NEW
POLITICAL ERA
• Change in political system: democracy
• Now, African presidents feel pressured due to
International pressure and public opinion
• “the growth of civil society” (pp. 256)

THE BAROMETER OF DEMOCRACY
• More than half of African counties prefer democracy and reject military rule, one-party rule, and one-man rule.
• “The problem is not that Africans do not value and demand democracy but rather that
African parties and politicians are not meeting their citizens’ aspirations” (Diamond, 258).
• “supply of democracy” (pp. 258).
• “demand for democracy” (pp. 259)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
 How can African countries successfully pursue democracy? What is necessary?
1. Change in political system (democracy)
2. Change in election (free and fair)
3. International support
4. public opinion and civil society
 What is the outcome of democracy in Africa?
1. Public goods are distributed to the people.
 Does democracy lead development?
YES

What is allowing and hindering democracy in Africa?
1. Change in political system and election,
International support and public opinion and civil society allow democracy in Africa.
2. Electoral system in Africa and African politicians and parties hinder democracy in
Africa.