Exorcising Devils from the Throne: Sao Tome and Principe in the Chaos of Democratization - Softcover

Francisco, Albertino Da Boa Morte

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0875868460 ISBN 13: 9780875868462

Verlag: Algora Publishing, 2011

Inhaltsangabe

Exorcising Devils from the Throne: Sao Tome and Principe in the Chaos of Democratization explores the tumultuous political journey of one of Africa's smallest nations as it grapples with democratization's promises and perils. Authored by Albertino da Boa Morte Francisco, this penetrating analysis dissects the intricate socio-political fabric of Sao Tome and Principe, a country that faced extraordinary challenges amid the global wave of democratic transitions.

Political Turmoil and Social Change: The book delves into the collapse of authoritarian rule and the subsequent rise of democratic ideals. Francisco meticulously examines how power struggles, corruption, and external influences destabilized the government, threatening the country’s fragile democratic foundations. Readers are taken on a historical journey that highlights pivotal events, from contested elections to military coups, illustrating the complex interplay of internal and external forces.

Economic Hardships and International Pressure: Sao Tome and Principe's precarious economic conditions exacerbated its political instability. With a heavy reliance on international aid and oil exploration prospects, the nation's leadership faced intense global pressure. The book outlines how foreign interventions and resource-driven geopolitics shaped the country’s policy decisions, often at the expense of its citizens.

Cultural Identity and Resilience: Despite political chaos, the resilience of the Santomean people shines through. Francisco emphasizes the role of cultural identity, community solidarity, and grassroots activism in resisting oppression and advocating for social justice. The narrative underscores how local traditions and communal bonds helped preserve the nation’s spirit through periods of crisis.

Lessons for Emerging Democracies: More than a historical account, Exorcising Devils from the Throne offers valuable lessons for emerging democracies worldwide. It illustrates the importance of inclusive governance, transparent institutions, and civic engagement in fostering sustainable democracy. Policymakers, scholars, and global development practitioners will find this work a crucial resource for understanding the complexities of democratic transitions in post-colonial contexts.

A Call for Justice and Reform: The book concludes with a powerful call for justice, accountability, and meaningful reforms to ensure lasting peace and development in Sao Tome and Principe. Francisco's vivid storytelling, backed by rigorous research, provides a compelling narrative that blends historical depth with policy insights.

Whether you're a student of African history, a political science enthusiast, or someone interested in global development issues, Exorcising Devils from the Throne offers a gripping exploration of a nation's fight for democracy against overwhelming odds. Discover the untold story of Sao Tome and Principe’s democratic struggle and the enduring quest for freedom and equality.

Über diesen Titel

Reseña del editor

Very real practical problems face the islands, starting with the corruption, despotism and illegal activities of Presidents Pinto da Costa, Miguel Trovoada and Fradique de Menezes, and including the failure to properly exploit the islands' natural resources; issues of insularity in every sense); economic instability and political illiteracy, which combine to make this natural paradise a complete human misfortune. The authors resort to the symbolic image of “evil souls” to underscore the seemingly all-powerful force and all-encompassing harm of those who run governments for the benefit of an elite few rather than the good of all. The authors propose steps that could help establish the social conditions necessary for this defunct state to revive and flourish as a democracy. Gerhard Seibert’s doctoral research work Comrades, Clients and Cousins. Colonialism, Socialism and Democratization in Sao Tome and Principe for the first time exposed and critically appraised the socio-economic and political development of the country. For its part, Exorcising Devils from the Throne focuses in the current development status of the country, providing facts and views in a contemporary philosophical perspective. Therefore, these two books can be seen as complementary to each other. There is very little other information available about this dazzling yet bedeviled part of the world which exemplifies in a nutshell the problems of the post-colonial world, including nations hit with democracy before they could prepare for it.

Details zur Ausgabe

• Verlag: Algora Publishing
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2011
• Sprache: Englisch
• ISBN 10: 0875868460
• ISBN 13: 9780875868462
• Einband: Tapa blanda
• Anzahl der Seiten: 246
• Kontakt zum Hersteller: Nicht verfügbar
• Verantwortliche Person: Nicht verfügbar