DEMOCRACY AND PEACE IN AFRICA

概要

This course is an introduction to the study of African institutions and policies as far as achieving stability and peace is concerned. Can the democratic peace theory apply to Africa as well? Will the democratization process succeed or will Africa regress into authoritarianism? What are the trends observed? What about the changing political landscapes and how is the western rise of the far-right movements affecting democracy in Africa? In this course, we shall examine not only the trajectories but also democracy inherent paradoxes. There are also other major questions related to the institutionalization of democracy as the best political institution promoting good governance behavior. The hope is that democracy can lead to greater stability, peace, and development of the African continent. From independence to the end of the Cold War, from the Arab spring to the ongoing demonstrations in Senegal, how should we measure democracy in Africa? Why are some countries more stable than others? Is democracy a source of conflict resolution or a cause of unrest and violence? Certainly, these broad questions won’t be fully answered but they will provide a framework to our study of democracy and peace in Africa. I have structured this course along certain important themes in order to give students a wider vantage point from which to read into the history of the political institutions in Africa. Some countries will be used as case studies examples to evaluate the assumption of the democratic peace theory that runs implicitly to this course.

目標

We want to revisit the best discussions in the field and see how they are shaping the future of democracy on the continent. In other words, what are the available theories on democracy and peace and how do they relate/apply to the practice of democracy in Africa? Students will be introduced to an analytic framework to help them organize and make sense of what is happening in contemporary African politics. They will thus develop a critical understanding of African politics major issues, institutions, and cultural characteristics.

授業外の学習

Students shall become familiar with African contemporary politics. They will be invited to pick a country of interest and establish a democratic profile of that country. -study suggested readings for the class (100min) -Review the previous week’s studies (90min)

所要時間: 190 minutes