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Structural Adjustment, Democratization and Rising Ethnic Tensions in Africa

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  • J. ‘Bayo Adekanye

Abstract

Structural adjustment, democratization and rising ethnic tensions characterize the current situation in much of Africa today. This article examines how these tendencies interact causally. It begins by describing Africa's growing debt (combined with defence) burden, the nature of the structural adjustment programme (SAP), particularly its pressures and contradictions, and the increasingly authoritarian responses generated by these. After illustrating the linkage between SAP and rising ethnic tensions, it is suggested that the issue of the distribution of power, wealth and ethnicity, especially under conditions of increasing scarcity, needs to be reconsidered. There are a number of reasons why ethnic and regional tensions are exacerbated by debts, economic crisis and adjustment in Africa; a core argument of this article is that the current ethnic tensions, like the ongoing democratic struggles, are arising as part of the general resistance against both SAP, because of its pauperizing impact, and against the state, which is seen as increasingly coercive and as negligent of its basic welfare responsibilities towards its citizens. The article ends by considering the implications of the coincidence of these two foci of resistance not only for the democratization project, but also for the survival of the state in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • J. ‘Bayo Adekanye, 1995. "Structural Adjustment, Democratization and Rising Ethnic Tensions in Africa," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 26(2), pages 355-374, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:26:y:1995:i:2:p:355-374
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7660.1995.tb00556.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Herbst, Jeffrey, 1990. "The structural adjustment of politics in Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 18(7), pages 949-958, July.
    2. Ihonvbere, Julius O., 1993. "Economic crisis, structural adjustment and social crisis in Nigeria," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 21(1), pages 141-153, January.
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    2. Kauffmann Mayeul, 2007. "Short Term and Event Interdependence Matter: A Political Economy Continuous Model of Civil War," Peace Economics, Peace Science, and Public Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 13(1), pages 1-17, December.

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