Developing Areas in Africa

1. How have Bratton and de Walle defined neopatrimonialism? What peculiar regime types has it given rise to in the African continent? To what extent is the argument that neopatrimonialism has deeply impacted regime types in Africa justified?

Neopatrimonialism stems from patrimonialism and has three major levels titled “Presidentialism…Clientelism…and State Resources” (Bratton and De Walle 63-67). Bratton and De Walle state that there is one, central ruler when neopatrimonialism is put into practice. This person holds the power of society and all others have little to no rights. The ruler, or president, has a relationship with clients, who are other people within society. The president awards clients with the power and material items in exchange for their loyalty and service. The president uses state resources to help complete their goals (Bratton and De Walle 61-68). Neopatrimonialism has given rise to the Mobutu regime (Nzongola- Ntalaja 141-42). It has also paved the way for presidents to have complete authority (Nyong’O 230-31). Stating that neopatrimonialism has impacted regime types in African is justified. There are regimes which have developed as a direct result of this social construct. Additionally, transitions to and from neopatrimonialism come with a fair share of challenges (Bratton and De Walle 77-85).

2. How has neo-patrimonialism affected democratization processes in African countries?

Neopatrimonialism has affected having a democratic society negatively. Using state resources or having clients is not an issue. The problems arise from having an authoritarian president. This halts many African country’s attempts to instill democracy (Bratton and De Walle 87-89).

3. In what ways do transitions from neo-patrimonial regimes differ from other regime types?

Neopatrimonialism negatively impacts a country’s economic function. Bearing this in mind, rallies, protests, and crises are common when a nation is transitioning from neopatrimonialism to another social construct. Additionally, given that the rule of neo-patrimonial societies is authoritarian, if they are still living during a transition there is likely to be conflict (Bratton and De Walle 82-85).

4. What was the Sudanese comprehensive peace agreement? Who were the different actors involved in negotiating it?

The Sudanese comprehensive peace agreement was signed by governmental officials and SPLM. This agreement came as a result of fighting between African nations. Those involved in negotiating it were the United States along with England and Norway. These democratic nations played a large role in ensuring the Sudanese comprehensive peace agreement was written and signed (Medani 290).

5. What were the barriers to political competition among countries in the Horn of Africa?

The barriers were primarily differences in religious and cultural beliefs. The countries in the Horn of Africa had different beliefs which led to differences in opinion on how the countries should be ruled (Medani 275-76).

Works Cited

Bratton, Michael and Nicholas van De Walle. “Neopatrimonial Rule in Africa.” Approaches to Democratization, 2012.

Medani, Khalid. “The Horn of Africa in the Shadow of the Cold War: Understanding the Partition of Sudan from a Regional Perspective.” The Journal of North African Studies. Routledge, 2014.

Nyong’O, A. “State and Society in Kenya: The Disintegration of Nationalists Coalitions and the Rise of the Presidential Authoritarianism 1963-78.” African Affairs, vol. 88, no. 351, 1989, pp. 229-251.

Nzongola- Ntalaja, George. “The Mobutu Regime: Dictatorship and State Decay.” The Congo from Leopold to Kabila. Zed Books, 2002.