Martin Meredith: The State of Africa
Ranked #3,943 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #143,408 overall
A history of 50 years of Independence in Africa
You'll learn how hunger is the result of bad politics, not just climate. How wrapped up poor beginnings are with misuse of power and lack of accountability. Thoroughly human this book doesn't stay on the surface of politics, but makes the realities of war, chaos and international support gone wrong come home.
Martin Meredith has written a few biographies before coming out with this book and it shows: 'The State of Africa' reads as a sad biography of several of the main characters of Africa's independence. Enlivened with pictures of these prominent and infamous men, we really get a glimpse into another world. A world in which might is not checked and government is more evil than is easily imagined in the West.
The State of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence
The Fate of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence
Amazon Price: $2.51 (as of 02/17/2012)
“THE book to read about where Africa is at.”
The best line ever:
Time and again [Africa's] potential for economic development has been disrupted by the predatory politics of ruling elites seeking personal gain, often precipitating violence for their own ends. [...] After decades of mismanagement and corruption, most African states have become hollowed out. They are no longer instruments capable of serving the public good. Indeed, far from being able to provide aide and protection to their citizens, African governments and the vampire-like politicians who run them are regarded by the population they rule as yet another burden they have to bear in their struggle for survival. (p. 688)
Is the situation in Africa hopeless?
Should the richer countries continue helping countries that refuse to help themselves?
Have you given up on Africa yet?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, violence, dictatorship, hunger, AIDS - there's no end to Africa's troubles
spirituality says:
I have to admit that The State of Africa has left me even more pessimistic about the continent than I already was. It's possible only Chinese style buying things up can help the continent develop.
Posted July 23, 2010
No, it would be heartless to give up on the people of Africa.
spirituality says:
I do think that trade barriers should be lowered to give African farmers an equal playing field. There are just too many agricultural subsidies warping the market and making it impossible for African farmers to get a fair share of the market.
And yes: I do think it would be heartless to give up on the continent. However, help has so far not proven very effective.
Posted July 23, 2010
More books by Martin Meredith
Vote for your favorites, or add any I missed.
The Fate of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence by Martin Meredith
Fifty years ago, as Europe's colonial powers withd more...0 points
Nelson Mandela: A Biography by Martin Meredith
In an age of cynical politics and mutual distrust, more...0 points
Mandela by Martin Meredith
Nelson Mandela stands out as one of the most admir more...0 points
Diamonds, Gold, and War: The British, the Boers, and the Making of South Africa by Martin Meredith
Southern Africa was once regarded as a worthless j more...0 points
Mugabe: Power, Plunder, and the Struggle for Zimbabwe's Future by Martin Meredith
Robert Mugabe came to power in Zimbabwe in 1980 af more...0 points
What's the buzz about Martin Meredith?
- Amanda Knox nets $4m book deal
- The Times said several publishers had submitted bids for the book, including Crown, part of Random House; St. Martin's Press, a Macmillan unit; Simon & Schuster's Atria; and Penguin Group USA's Dutton. Knox hired Washington attorney Robert Barnett of ...
- DeWitt jail to house Cook Co. prisoners
- While DeWitt County has seen a decline in federal inmates, Livingston County Sheriff Martin Meredith hopes start housing such prisoners soon. The Livingston County Board may vote Feb. 16 to pursue housing federal inmates at the jail for a ...
- Cook County prisoners to be housed in DeWitt County jail
- While DeWitt County has seen a decline in federal inmates, Livingston County Sheriff Martin Meredith hopes start housing such prisoners soon. The Livingston County Board may vote Feb. 16 to pursue housing federal inmates at the jail for a ...
Telling the whole story of Africa is pretty impossible
Still: Meredith does well in giving the whole African continent it's space. Starting out with detailed maps at the beginning of the book, few countries are left out altogether.
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