From divided pasts to cohesive futures

Cambridge University Press

2019

xix, 447 p.

9781108476607

Introduction: Understanding processes of change in social cohesion: learning from comparative history / Hiroyuki Hino, Arnim Langer, John Lonsdale, and Frances Stewart -- Kenya's four ages of ethnicity / Hiroyuki Hino, Arnim Langer, John Lonsdale, and Frances Stewart -- Better elections, more deaths: Nigeria / Abdul Raufu Mustapha -- Ethnicity, citizenry and nation building in Tanzania / Benno Ndulu, Emma Hunter and Wilfred E. Mbowe -- Identity, inequality and social contestation in the post-apartheid South Africa / Hiroyuki Hino, Murray Leibbrandt, Ratjomose Machema, Muna Shifa and Crain Soudien -- Ethnicity, development, and social cohesion in Africa: overview / Bruce Berman and Motoki Takahashi -- Redressing inequalities in societies: growth with equity / Frances Stewart -- Vertical and horizontal decentralization for equity and stability / Gustav Ranis -- Land reform: strengthening customary rights under community management / Kojo Sebastian Amanor -- Protecting education from ethnic politics / Eric Kramon and Daniel N. Posner -- Building social cohesion through education in Africa? Lessons from Côte d'Ivoire and Kenya / Line Kuppens & Arnim Langer -- Remaking Cape Town: memory politics, land restitution and social cohesion in District Six / Ciraj Rassool -- Key ingredients of inclusive politics / Abdul Raufu Mustapha -- National cohesion in Africa: beyond ethnicity and ethnic communities / Ernest Aryeetey and Ama de-Graft Aikins -- From divided pasts to cohesive futures in Africa: conclusions and policy recommendations / Arnim Langer & John Lonsdale

Today, the cohesion of multi-ethnic societies is at risk across the globe. Throughout history, to the present day, African countries have been facing this challenge. Historical inequalities and social division undermine cohesion and sow seeds of instability. How can Africa build a future where ethnic and other differences are a strength, a driver of growth and development, rather than sources of division and instability? Drawing together historians, economists and political scientists, each an authority on Africa, this book delivers a comprehensive study of that question through an exploration of the continent's divided histories, to understand where Africans stand now, and to reflect on how they might now work towards a more trusting society. Numerous case studies, statistical expositions and theoretical reflections bring conceptual clarity to the often poorly understood processes and contexts of social cohesion, not only in Africa, but across the developing and developed world.

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