2025/2026
Состояние континента: нации, институты, элиты и проблемы в Африке
Статус:
Маго-лего
Кто читает:
Центр изучения стабильности и рисков
Где читается:
Факультет социальных наук
Когда читается:
3 модуль
Охват аудитории:
для всех кампусов НИУ ВШЭ
Преподаватели:
Зинг Миках Йинпанг Бави
Язык:
английский
Кредиты:
3
Контактные часы:
30
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course is designed to provide an introductory and background analysis of the complex and complicated socio-political landscape of contemporary Africa. Through a multidisciplinary lens, students will explore the historical and current challenges faced by African nations, focusing on the interplay between national identities, institutional frameworks, and elite power dynamics.
Learning Objectives
- Critically analyse the historical context of African states and their post-colonial trajectories
- Assess the role of political institutions and governance structures in shaping national policies and public life
- Evaluate the influence of elites on political decision-making and social change in various African contexts
- Identify and discuss key challenges facing African nations, including conflict resolution, economic development, human rights issues, and environmental sustainability
- Explore the role of regional and international organizations in addressing Africa’s challenges and fostering collaboration among nations.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- 4. Understand and analyze the role of elites in shaping policy formulation and implementation in Africa.
- Understand the theories and strategy of nation building, putting Africa in context. Case studies (country specific cases) will be used to demonstrate the successes and failures of nation building in Africa.
- Understand the different forms of governance in Africa-democratic and authoritarian regimes and the prospects thereof, as well as the institutional frameworks of Africa nations and their effectiveness.
- Understand and analyze the role of elites in shaping policy formulation and implementation in Africa.
- Understand and evaluate the key causes of conflict in African nations, the mechanisms for conflict resolution and peacebuilding, as well as human rights issues across the continent and the role of civil society and grassroots movements in building a life of dignity for the African people.
- Understand role of regional organizations (AU, ECOWAS, etc) in African development. This will include also the regional security architecture and the role of these regional actors, plus case studies on African collaboration.
- Evaluate emerging trends and potential pathways for African development.
Course Contents
- Overview of the state of affairs of the African continent
- Nation-Building in Post-Colonial Africa
- Governance and Political Institutions
- Political Elites and Power Dynamics
- Conflict, Resolution, Human Rights and Social Justice
- Regional Cooperation and Integration
- Future Perspective on Africa
