The Failure of Grassroots Pan-Africanism; The Case of the All-African Trade Union Federation [Hardcover]

Opoku Agyeman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0739106201 | ISBN-13: 978-0739106204 | Publication Date: January 2004

A work of masterful scholarship and powerful feeling,The Failure of Grassroots Pan-Africanism traces the political history of a Pan-Africanist inspired non-aligned trade union federation, the All-African Trade Union Federation (AATUF). Set up in 1961, this federation's mission was to provide organizational impetus to the cause of the political unification of Africa's multitude of artificial, nonviable states. This thoroughly researched analysis establishes the multiple causes of the AATUF's tragic failure, and author Opoku Agyeman examines key players such as the sponsoring "radical-nationist" African political leaderships, the World Federation of Trade Unions, the American AFL-CIO and the CIA. At the dawn of the twenty-first century, few scholarly tasks are as urgent as exploring the creative options that exist for Africa's regeneration. Agyeman furthers this task in his examination of the appropriate modalities for forging collaboration between African states. No other book on Africa combines such strong scholarship with an uncompromising Pan-Africanist outlook.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is the best work on the most critical attempt to develop a continental grassroots union movement in Africa with decisive impact on empowering workers in the process of Africa's industrial growth. The author's sensitive and thorough analysis contributes much to our understanding of the historical and continuing impediments to this initiative and to African economic development in general. (Walters, Ronald )

At an historical moment when Africa is in 'the hyperbrutal phase of neo-colonial underdevelopment under the aegis of capitalistic globalization,' Agyeman's analysis provides hope that Africans can still assert themselves across political and national divides to protect their own interests and craft a better future. (H-Net )

This is an impressive study, skillfully analyzed, ...a well researched manuscript. The author is to be commended on the vast amount of material he has brought together to marshal what is a coherent and convincing argument. (Steve Frenkel )

About the Author

Opoku Agyeman is professor of political science at Montclair State University. He has published extensively on African politics and Pan-Africanism.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 440 pages
• Publisher: Lexington Books (January 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739106201
• ISBN-13: 978-0739106204
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,694,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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