In Search of a Practicable Model of Democracy for Post-colonial African States

Reginald Oduor (University of Nairobi)

Abstract. The imposition of liberal democracy on post-colonial African states is largely to blame for the persistent failure of democracy in the continent. This is due to the fact that the typical African voter’s choice is significantly influenced by considerations of the good of his or her ethnic group rather than by his or her exclusive personal welfare. Consequently, this talk will propose a model of democracy for post-colonial African states based on the communalistic orientation of indigenous African political thought, but one which, drawing from the Western liberal tradition as well, protects the personal rights of the citizens. The overarching aim of this endeavour is to enable Africans to see something of their own worldviews in the governance structures of their countries, thereby encouraging them to embrace a democratic culture.

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Co-sponsored by Rice University's Departments of Philosophy and Political Science.