This collection of essays brings together historians and political
scientists from Britain, France and the United States, who, from widely
differing perspectives and traditions, have been involved in the process
of rethinking African politics. They present here the outline of a new
approach, grounded in universal political theory rather than on theories
of Third World political development. This seeks to integrate the
history of Africa (from pre- to post-colonial) with concepts of
political theory as they have been applied historically to the analysis
of Europe and America. The book addresses a wide audience: students of
African history and politics, of Third World development and of
political theory.