Review

Textbooks and Readers

A succinct summation of the many problems faced by Third World nations is not an easy thing to create, but this is exactly what Colin Legum has done in his latest book, based on a series of speeches given by the author in 1997. Legum does not necessarily turn over any new leaves in this book, but provides an excellent historical background to the daunting dilemmas that Africa faces. Legum divides the post-colonial period in Africa into three primary phases, the first of which was a long romantic period lasting from 1939-1970, during which Africans experienced a post-independence euphoria. Within this discussion, the author provides a brief yet thorough historical background of many Africa colonies leading up to the push for independence. In consequence of this history, many countries suffered from a lack of trained administrators and technicians, which made maintaining effective, democratic governments difficult. This euphoric time for Africa was followed by the second of Legum's periods, a time of disillusionment stretching from 1970-1985. Optimism began to disappear as military coups became commonplace. Few countries escaped serious ethnic/tribal concerns, and even fewer escaped corruption and poor economic planning. Clearly the economic, political, and social dilemmas that began to plague the young countries proved a major source of instability. Currently, Africa is in an era of reality, says Legum, wherein numerous negatives face the continent. Poverty is on the rise, as are unemployment and underemployment, food shortages, and children's truancy from school. Democracy continues to elude many countries. World Bank policies, designed partially to aid underdeveloped countries, actually have hurt Africa of late, and Africa is still not a full, equal partner in the global economy. But Legum points out that, despite these serious problems, there is cause for some optimism in this time of realism. There are fewer wars or civil wars than at any other time since independence, many corrupt or authoritarian leaders are out of power, and there are fewer one-party regimes in power. Elections have generally allowed legitimate opposition parties to develop. There are also some positive economic indicators. It should be mentioned that while Legum's basic chronological divisions are not at all revolutionary, they are straightforward and clear cut.	1
Legum's work has many potential uses in the classroom at various academic levels, and is most certainly appropriate for use with students. In a very general sense, the book might be useful to teachers of middle-school classes, where students might be asked to read certain pre-selected sections and discuss them. It is unlikely, however, that the entire book would succeed as an assigned reading for students at that level. At the high school level, Legum's text might prove useful in current affairs/issues classes, global issues discussions, or third world problems courses. Advanced placement world history students might also benefit from the well-written and concise nature of the discussions of African history; these students could perhaps use the book with less direct supervision. The book is also appropriate for use at the college level, whether in an introductory level or an upper level course. Its addressing of future prospects for Africa is enlightening and therefore appropriate even in a junior or senior level Africa-specific course.	2
Legum suggests that there is a returning of a reality-tempered optimism to Africa, but Africa must solve some serious problems. Ineffectual or unfair governments must be replaced with competent, democratic ones. Population and urban growth must be controlled, as should HIV/AIDS and ethnic strife. More countries must strike a balance between cash crop and domestic food production. Environmental issues must become a factor in government planning. Unfortunately, Legum sees an uncertain future for Africa, suggesting that democracy will most likely stall in some countries, with the next fifty years seeing fairly uneven development continent-wide _ with some countries even becoming economically unviable. Legum's prognosis for the future of Africa is succinct, thoughtful, and well informed, and may be the most generally useful part of the book for instructors. Legum's work can serve as a general introduction to modern Africa for social scientists or even for the more general reader, as it does an excellent job of explaining otherwise tricky economic and political issues. It would also not be difficult for teachers to frame lessons or lectures for high school or college from it.	3
Salisbury State University, MO   Wayne Ackerson

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