African political economy

Since the 1990s, researchers have identified two parallel trends in African political economy: the increasing prominence of national development policies associated with neoliberal globalization, and the growing demand by African citizens for political reform, democratization and more equitable forms of development in their countries. How should we situate these two trends in relation to each other: is one trend more pronounced and influential than the other? How has each trend influenced or constrained the other? Do the experiences of African governments suggest that ‘neoliberal globalization’ can be ‘reformed’ to benefit more African citizens? What viable alternatives to the global order might be emerging, and who is promoting them? In answering these questions, your Research Essay should develop a case study using evidence from just one country in Sub-Saharan Africa and only one of the following themes from the course: • Trade Strategies • New Regional or International Development Partnerships • Agricultural Development Strategies • Health (or Education) Strategies •    

Sample Solution