Alex Thomson is an academic with three decades experience of teaching and researching African politics. He is currently a lecturer at Coventry University in the United Kingdom.
This new edition builds upon the insightful and penetrating observations and arguments of its predecessors. Balanced - giving in to neither excessive optimism nor pessimism - but inspiring. It makes African politics something living, human and seriously aspirational. A student of Africa could ask for no better introduction. Stephen Chan OBE, SOAS University of London, UK In what is arguably the best textbook available on African politics, Alex Thomson offers an exhaustive and perceptive analysis of the African state and civil society in historical perspective, from the indigenous to colonialism and post (or neo) colonialism. The topics covered include, ideology; ethnicity; religion; social class; legitimacy; coercion and sovereignty. Each chapter is usefully complemented by a country case-study. In my opinion, this new edition of An Introduction to African Politics constitutes an excellent resource for undergraduate students but will also greatly benefit laypersons interested in the subject. Guy Martin, Winston-Salem State University, USA A book that keeps on giving: this 5th edition remains the seminal introduction to African politics - an academically rigorous first read for students, business and policy interested in Africa. Alex Vines OBE, Africa Director, Chatham House, UK