Nana K. Poku is Executive Director and Professor of Health Economics at HEARD.Anna Mdee is a research associate at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI).

'A lucid introduction to the political dilemmas facing contemporary Africa.' - Professor Patrick Chabal, King's College London 'There is a surprising amount packed into the pages of this short book. Weighing colonial legacies in the scale against post-colonial exigencies, the authors manage to serve up an account that is fresh, provocative and eminently readable. It provides an excellent starting point for anyone in search of a better understanding of contemporary Africa.' - Professor Paul Nugent, University of Edinburgh 'A superb introduction to some of the most critical political challenges facing Africa today. It offers a clear and coherent discussion of the complexities of, and linkages between, Africa's past and present. An excellent addition to our understanding of African society.' - Pascoal Mocumbi, former Prime Minister of Mozambique 'I highly recommend this book as an insightful and well referenced commentary on key issues in our modern African society, and its colonial and post-Independence history. It will be of great value to Africans and non-Africans alike, with an interest in how politics shapes our lives.' - Kenneth Kaunda, former President of Zambia

• Introduction1. Colonialism, Racism and African Resistance2. Instabilities, Adjustment and Renewal3. Food Insecure and Vulnerable: The Politics of African Rural Livelihoods4. Big Men & Little Women - The Politics of Gender in Africa5. More than HIV/AIDS: the politics of health in AfricaConclusion: An African Renaissance

Nana K. Poku is Executive Director and Professor of Health Economics at HEARD.Anna Mdee is a research associate at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI).

'A lucid introduction to the political dilemmas facing contemporary Africa.' - Professor Patrick Chabal, King's College London 'There is a surprising amount packed into the pages of this short book. Weighing colonial legacies in the scale against post-colonial exigencies, the authors manage to serve up an account that is fresh, provocative and eminently readable. It provides an excellent starting point for anyone in search of a better understanding of contemporary Africa.' - Professor Paul Nugent, University of Edinburgh 'A superb introduction to some of the most critical political challenges facing Africa today. It offers a clear and coherent discussion of the complexities of, and linkages between, Africa's past and present. An excellent addition to our understanding of African society.' - Pascoal Mocumbi, former Prime Minister of Mozambique 'I highly recommend this book as an insightful and well referenced commentary on key issues in our modern African society, and its colonial and post-Independence history. It will be of great value to Africans and non-Africans alike, with an interest in how politics shapes our lives.' - Kenneth Kaunda, former President of Zambia

• Introduction1. Colonialism, Racism and African Resistance2. Instabilities, Adjustment and Renewal3. Food Insecure and Vulnerable: The Politics of African Rural Livelihoods4. Big Men & Little Women - The Politics of Gender in Africa5. More than HIV/AIDS: the politics of health in AfricaConclusion: An African Renaissance

Nana K. Poku is Executive Director and Professor of Health Economics at HEARD.Anna Mdee is a research associate at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI).

'A lucid introduction to the political dilemmas facing contemporary Africa.' - Professor Patrick Chabal, King's College London 'There is a surprising amount packed into the pages of this short book. Weighing colonial legacies in the scale against post-colonial exigencies, the authors manage to serve up an account that is fresh, provocative and eminently readable. It provides an excellent starting point for anyone in search of a better understanding of contemporary Africa.' - Professor Paul Nugent, University of Edinburgh 'A superb introduction to some of the most critical political challenges facing Africa today. It offers a clear and coherent discussion of the complexities of, and linkages between, Africa's past and present. An excellent addition to our understanding of African society.' - Pascoal Mocumbi, former Prime Minister of Mozambique 'I highly recommend this book as an insightful and well referenced commentary on key issues in our modern African society, and its colonial and post-Independence history. It will be of great value to Africans and non-Africans alike, with an interest in how politics shapes our lives.' - Kenneth Kaunda, former President of Zambia

• Introduction1. Colonialism, Racism and African Resistance2. Instabilities, Adjustment and Renewal3. Food Insecure and Vulnerable: The Politics of African Rural Livelihoods4. Big Men & Little Women - The Politics of Gender in Africa5. More than HIV/AIDS: the politics of health in AfricaConclusion: An African Renaissance