Home to more than 1.2 billion people, living in 54 recognized states, speaking around 3,000 languages, Africa is a diverse and complex continent made up of states which differ in regard to their colonial history, political system, socio-economic development, economic polices and their experience with crises and conflicts. This introduction and overview of African history and politics since decolonization emphasises throughout, the diversity of the continent. Organised thematically to include chapters on decolonization and its legacies, external influences, economics, political systems, inter-African relations, crises, conflicts and conflict management, and Africa's external relations, Martin Welz strikes a fine balance between the use of contextual information, analysis, case studies and examples with theoretical debates in development, politics and global policy. Accessible to students at all levels, it counters histories which offer reductive explanations of complex issues, and offers new insights into the role African actors have played in influencing international affairs beyond the continent.

‘A comprehensive contribution to our knowledge of Africa today. Welz's analysis of the Africa continent, to an extent, accords agency that is so often denied by scholarship originating from the Global North. Whatever one thinks of Welz's broader arguments, this is an important book that captures a political history to date and will be essential reading for many years to come.’

Toni Haastrup - University of Stirling

‘Martin Welz's book is like a mosaic: from up close you see all the details and differences, from geography and history to the defining personalities of the African countries once shaped by colonial despotism. When you have finished reading the book however, if you step back, you'll recognize the underlying connections and structures. Anyone who wants to understand the history and politics of Africa since decolonization and get to know this diverse continent should read this book.’

Horst Köhler - former President of the Federal Republic of Germany

‘A compelling account of the history and politics of the world’s second largest continent during the half century since independence. African actors are front and central to this story - shapers as well as subjects of national and international politics. Welz asks the big questions and offers a big picture, while skirting simplistic generalizations. Essential reading for those who wish to understand the past in order to build a better future.’

Elizabeth Schmidt - Loyola University Maryland

‘Welz demonstrates a broad command of his topic … His overview is careful, taking into account multiple perspectives throughout, as is best illustrated in an early chapter describing decolonization, which offers views from the colonizers, those colonized, and the broader international community. Suitable for undergraduate or general collections on Africa. Recommended.’

J. R. Kenyon Source: Choice

'A useful introduction for the teaching of African Studies. The volume therefore is a welcome addition to this category, ‘written in a spirit of promoting dialogue'’

Henning Melber Source: Africa Spectrum