An Anatomy Of Ghanaian Politics: Managing Political Recession, 1969-1982

by Naomi Chazan

Overview

The paths of African states have diverged markedly since the termination of colonial rule. Nevertheless, Ghana, the first African state to achieve independence, epitomizes both the political gyrations and the overall stagnation common to many other countries on the continent. This work concentrates on the 1969–1982 period in Ghana, focusing on two interrelated facets of African politics: the decline of state power and authority, and adjustments to political recession. The author traces the dual patterns of diminution of the state and the adaptation of autonomous coping mechanisms in the separate spheres of political leadership, political structures and institutions, ideology, and political economy. The dynamic of state-society interactions is then treated in terms of the rhythm of dissent, conflict, and disengagement. Dr. Chazan provides a comprehensive study of Ghanaian politics from the 1970s to the present. By systematically analyzing the process of political decline and regeneration, she highlights similar processes apparent elsewhere in Africa. The stress on the subtleties and direction of political change has important implications for policymakers and policy analysts alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367019495
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/07/2019
Pages:	448
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Also of Interest — Preface — The Texture of Ghanaian Politics: An Overview — The Components of Politics: An Anatomy of Political Structures — The Social Foundations of Political Action — State Structures and Political Institutions — The Structure of Authority: Leaders, Patrons, and Ruling Coalitions — The Meanings and Uses of Politics: An Anatomy of Political Processes — Symbolic Processes: Political Ideas, Ideologies, and Idea-Logics — The Changing Political Economy: Policies, Performance, and Responses — The Dynamics of Politics: An Anatomy of Political Interactions — The Second Republic: The Fragility of Ethnic Elitism — The Acheampong Years: The Disintegration of Coercion — 1978–1979: Turmoil, Experimentation, and Restructuring — The Limann Civilian Episode: The Failure of Competitive Politics — The Ghanaian Political Cycle — Perspectives on Past and Future Patterns of Continuity and Change — Ghana as a Political Microcosm