Africa is a continent of extremes - gleaming cities and rich farmlands, mineral wealth, tech hubs, and hugely competitive elections, but also drought, poverty, and war. Global constraints and opportunities shape politics and economics in dynamic and complex ways.
Some African countries are growing rapidly, but others are stuck in place with weak states and even declining economies. Where is Africa headed in the 21st century, when by 2050 a quarter of the global population will be African? Will the global economy be an engine of growth, or a straightjacket that ties African countries down? Do global institutions help or hinder prospects for African development? This course explores these questions in a multidisciplinary way.
Students will read some of the best African social scientists writing on growth and the legacies of the past, along with scholars and commentators from around the world who are Africa-watchers and analysts. Classes will be interactive and problem-focused. The course prepares you for work in government, business, diplomacy, NGOs, international and regional organizations, and the development industry, as well as further study of African and the international political economy across the disciplines.
When you complete the course, you will have a better understanding of the economic and social underpinnings of order and conflict, and growth and economic constraints, in African countries. You will know more about evolution of the global economy and institutions over time, and how these can shape development trajectories. You will be able to identify strategies and policies that can support inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
