Despite the promise of independence, by the 1970s, it was clear that many African states were facing profound political and economic turmoil
Country Specialization Paper 2
Despite the promise of independence, by the 1970s, it was clear that many African states were
facing profound political and economic turmoil. On the political side, military coups, violent
civil conflict, and authoritarian rule, became common occurrences. On the economic front,
African countries saw declining productivity and anemic growth rates.
Describe these political and economic trends in your country of expertise in the two decades
after independence. What explains these trends? In what ways is your country’s experience
consistent with, and different from, the rest of Africa?
You are expected to incorporate class readings and discussion, as well as material obtained from
outside of class. Content and arguments from your last paper – on pre- colonial and colonial
Africa – should not be the focus of this assignment. This paper should be 6-8 pages
double-spaced.