Title: State building and democracy in Southern Africa : Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa /
Authors: Du Toit, P. van der P.
Publisher: United States Institute of Peace Press,
Year: 1995
Subjects: Democracy Botswana.; Democracy Zimbabwe.; Democracy South Africa; Botswana Politics and government; Zimbabwe Politics and government; South Africa Politics and government; South Africa Politics and government
Abstract: "Western democratic institutions have not easily taken root in African soil. Too often, attempts at cultivating democratic norms have foundered, leaving anarchy or authoritarianism. What, then, are the chances that South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy will endure?" "With this question in mind, South African political scientist Pierre du Toit probes the conditions under which democracy can grow. He examines three southern African states that, despite similarities, have very different track records: Botswana, perhaps the most successful democracy in continental Africa; Zimbabwe, where a partial democracy is faltering; and South Africa, just beginning its bold experiment." "Weighing the impact of each country's heritage, ethnic composition, and economic circumstances, du Toit demonstrates that democratic outcomes depend on the nature and strength of the state. Democratic practices are embedded in a broader network of state and societal institutions; only if these institutions are robust and resilient can democracy flourish."--Jacket.
Contents: Foreword / Richard H. Solomon -- Introduction: Africa's Future: Democratic Stability or Impending Anarchy? -- pt. I. Botswana: The Strong State and Strong Society -- pt. II. Zimbabwe: The Strong Society and Weakening State -- pt. III. South Africa: From Apartheid to the Autonomous State? -- pt. IV. Toward Sustainable Democracy -- Appendix: State Building and Conflict in Divided Societies.