African Anarchism: A History and Analysis [Paperback]

Sam Mbah (Author), Samuel Mbah (Author), I. G. Igariwey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1997

The first book ever written on this subject, African Anarchism traces the origins and development of anarchism in Africa. After dealing with questions such as what anarchism is and isn't, this groundbreaking book covers the topics of anarchism and African traditional societies, the influence of anarchism on African national liberation struggles, the relationship of anarchism to African marxist movements, "Africa's angry young generation", "The 'New World Order' and Africa" whether or not there is a specifically African form of anarchism, drawbacks to anarchism in Africa, and the possible influence of anarchism on Africa's future development.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: See Sharp Press (July 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884365051
• ISBN-13: 978-1884365058
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,132,510 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Politics > Ideologies > Radical Thought
  • #26 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Politics > Practical Politics
  • #49 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Africa

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of anarchism in Africa, March 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: African Anarchism: A History and Analysis (Paperback)

While the anarchist movement isn't that big in Africa, this book shows why that won't be the case in the future. Mbah, who's a journalist and member of the Nigerian Awareness League, begins with a concise overview of anarchist theory. Then the anarchistic basis of African village life is explored. The editors discuss how top-down socialism failed in Africa and analyze how colonialism's legacy still stifles radical politics today. They also describe existing and historical anarchist movements on the African continent, like the syndicalist unions that existed in South Africa in the early 20th century. Excellent book--you won't be disappointed.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Just to Add to the othe Comment..., October 18, 2000

By 

"albamuth" - See all my reviews

This review is from: African Anarchism: A History and Analysis (Paperback)

Good overview, history, but the book tends to focus on "why socialism failed" and tends to repeat the "anarchists were sold out by X" theme a lot. More interesting from a post-colonial studies perspective, really. Anarchists would benefit most by its arguments/analysis of the postcolonial socialist governments, rather than find any insight into the shape of the anarchist movement in Africa, which is vaguely depicted, at best.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from AK Press, August 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: African Anarchism: A History and Analysis (Paperback)

This groundbreaking book covers the topics of anarchism and African traditional societies, the influence of anarchism on African anti-colonial stuggles, the relationship between anarchists and African Marxists, Africa's "angry young generation", the New World Order and Africa, whether or not there is an African form of anarchism, drawbacks to anarchism in Africa, and the possible influence of anarchism on Africa's future development.