![]() ![]() Meredith made the choice to present the book in chronological order as opposed to telling the history of the countries divided by country. This is understandable, but it is also more likely that the reader is already aware of these parts of post-independence African history. With regard to countries, the larger ones, like Nigeria, Congo and South Africa, receive more attention. Events such as apartheid and the Rwandan Genocide receive their own chapters. It is unavoidable that certain countries and events receive more attention in the narrative than others. However, for a single book to give a complete history of all 50+ countries that make up Africa is simply asking too much. Meredith primarily focuses on the political events and the different conflicts that took place during this period but these, of course, are influenced by and influence the economic and social development of a country. ![]() The State of Africa gives an overarching history of post-1950(ish) history of African countries and a comparative look at the developments these countries went through. ![]() To a large extend Meredith succeeded in what he set out to do. In The State of Africa Martin Meredith sets out to write a comprehensive history of the continent since the start of independence, which seems like a daunting task for a single book. ![]()
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