Books in the African Arguments series

Hundreds of thousands of people living in Africa find themselves non-persons in the only state they have ever known. This book intends to bring together fresh material from across Africa of some of the most egregious examples of citizenship discrimination.

In the twenty-first century, the relationship between violent conflict and natural resources has become a matter of intense public and academic debate. As a result of fervent activism and international campaigning, the flagship case of 'conflict minerals' has captured global attention. This term groups together the artisanal tin, tantalum (coltan), tungsten and gold originating from war zones in Central Africa. Known as 'digital minerals' for their use in high-end technology, their exploitation and trade has been singled out in numerous media and United Nations reports as a key driver of violence, provoking an unprecedented popular outcry and prompting transnational efforts to promote 'conflict-free', ethical mining. Focusing on the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Conflict Minerals, Inc. is the first comprehensive analysis of this phenomenon. Based on meticulous investigation and long-term fieldwork, this book analyses why the campaign against 'unethical' mining went awry, and radically disrupted eastern Congo's political economy. It dissects the evolution of the conflict minerals paradigm, the policy responses it triggered and their impact on artisanal miners. Vogel demonstrates how Western advocacy and policy have relied on colonial frames to drive change, and how White Saviourism perpetuates structural violence and inequality across global supply and value chains.

A concise and revealing analysis of Congo's forest, mineral, land, water and oil sectors, and the tangled politics behind them

An revealing account of how Africa's new oil boom could make or break the countries affected.

An essential introduction to and analysis of the highly contentious issue of 'land grabbing' in Africa

Chocolate - the very word conjures up a hint of the forbidden and a taste of the decadent. Yet the story behind the chocolate bar is rarely one of luxury. From the thousands of children who work on plantations to the smallholders who harvest the beans, this title reveals the hard economic realities of our favourite sweet.

A revealing account of the revolution that kick-started the Arab Spring, utilizing first-person testimony from those on the ground.

Based on pioneering research on the history of homosexualities in Africa and current lgbti activism, Marc Epprecht provides a sympathetic overview of the issues at play, and a hopeful outlook on the potential of sexual rights for all.

A remarkable and in-depth portrait of a war-torn nation seldom far from the headlines, featuring a wealth of first-hand interviews.

This book argues that, along with its many benefits, government aid to Africa has often meant more poverty, more hungry people, and damage to democratic institutions.

Pitches the ideas and aspirations of people on the ground against the theory and assumptions often made by the international development and peace-building agencies and organisations. This book discusses about conflict and society in Africa.

Climate change is a major challenge for us all, but for African countries it represents a particular threat. This book outlines the impact that such a change can have on Africa's development prospects. It uses case studies to look at issues ranging from natural disasters to biofuels, and from conflict to the oil industry.

Seeks to answer questions about Britain's role in Africa since 1997. This book provides an account of the key players, and the policies they constructed in the shadow of the war in Iraq. It sets out the balance sheet of what Britain has achieved, and where and why it failed in Africa.

Is the Bush Administration really working to bring about a fairer and more just Africa? This book argues that US policy in Africa falls short of meeting reasonable standards of fairness or justice. It concludes by assessing the prospects of an equitable policy.

The International Criminal Court has run into serious problems with its first big case - the situation in northern Uganda. This book argues that much of the antipathy to the ICC is based upon ignorance and misconception and that the ICC has made resolution of the war more likely.

In Africa's Odious Debts, Boyce and Ndikumana reveal that, contrary to the popular perception of Africa being a drain on the financial resources of the developed world, more money destined for the West leaves the continent than it actually receives.

An eye-opening account of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the crucial role of local communities in containing the spread of the disease.

Darfur has become synonymous with genocide and humanitarian crisis. A guide to the conflict, this book provides a short history of the region, and traces the origins, organization and ideology of the infamous Janjawiid and other rebel groups, including the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement.

A vital book on an overlooked front of the so-called 'war on drugs'.

From multi-billion dollar investments in oil and minerals to the influx of thousands of merchants, labourers and cheap consumer goods, China's economic and political reach is redefining Africa's traditional ties with the international community. This book investigates the emerging relationship between China and Africa.

Part of a series on burning issues confronting Africa and the world, this book talks about AIDS in Africa - what it means for government and democracy. It argues that approaches to the epidemic are driven by interests and frameworks that fail to engage with African resilience and creativity.

From tackling the collusion of elites with international corporations to enhancing local democratic governance in Africa, this book examines the potential for reform, and how it may become a springboard for broader development gains.

An in-depth and revealing account of the violence that has swept the Central African Republic.

A fascinating account of how the digital age has impacted Kenyan politics, and the consequences for understanding the role of social media in democracies across Africa, and beyond.

Somalia is a comprehensively failed state, representing a threat to itself, its neighbours and the wider world. This title presents a comprehensive analysis of the chaos into which the country has descended and the United States' renewed involvement there.

The ordinary citizens campaigning for justice in one of the most troubled countries in Africa

An accessible, eye-opening account that fundamentally challenges mainstream accounts of economic growth in Africa

A fascinating and original overview of resistance and protest in Africa.

Reveals Israel's increasing efforts to form alliances in Africa, explaining what this means for the continent and wider geopolitics.