Ghana's Political Landscape and Ethnic Conflict
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Questions and Answers

What was a primary factor in the violence between Kikuyu and Kalenjin ethnic groups in Kenya?

  • Ethnicized land disputes fueled by political leaders (correct)
  • Miscommunication about land ownership
  • Economic competition among local farmers
  • Religious differences between the groups

What does the 'Inverted U' theory suggest about political regimes?

  • Political systems must avoid transitions to remain stable.
  • Regimes are more stable during transitional periods.
  • Democracy is always more stable than authoritarianism.
  • Extreme forms of governance can lead to greater stability. (correct)

Which event indicated Ghana's commitment to democratic processes?

  • Military intervention in politics
  • The acceptance of election results by defeated candidates (correct)
  • Lack of voter participation in elections
  • Civil unrest following elections

What does Abdul Gafaru identify as contributing to Ghana's successful democratization?

<p>Active civil society and political participation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Ghana perform constitutionally in terms of conflict resolution?

<p>Using democratic frameworks like courts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does Ghana face regarding women’s political participation?

<p>Low levels of participation despite women's rights laws (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the state bureaucracy in Ghana?

<p>Facing inefficiency and corruption issues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do international financial institutions play in Ghana's economy?

<p>They heavily influence state regulatory practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the beginning of mass violence in Burundi in 1959?

<p>The Hutu rebellion against the Tutsi minority (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated number of Hutus killed during the 1972 genocide in Burundi?

<p>100,000–200,000 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ideology emerged in Côte d'Ivoire that led to the Civil War in 2002?

<p>Ivoirité (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Belgian colonizers play in the Hutu-Tutsi conflict?

<p>Encouraged Hutu to rise against Tutsi leaders (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the post-independence Hutu rebellion in Burundi?

<p>State-sponsored mass killings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did 'Ivoirité' conceptually aim to differentiate?

<p>Citizens of Ivorian descent and those perceived as immigrants (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact did the wave of Hutu refugees have on Rwanda?

<p>Spread of accounts of atrocities and resentment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a contributing factor to the identity politics in Côte d'Ivoire that led to the civil war?

<p>Access to national identity cards (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor in the evolution of Somali piracy from crime to an organized economy?

<p>High-value ransom payments from hijacked vessels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did piracy affect local clans and militias in Somalia?

<p>It reinforced their power and created parallel economies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did remittances play in Somaliland's governance model?

<p>They funded peace-building initiatives and basic government functions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a hybrid system of governance as described in Somaliland?

<p>A combination of traditional clan structures and modern political institutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have informal economies contributed to state weakness in regions affected by piracy?

<p>By redirecting resources away from state-building efforts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What estimated annual remittance flow did Somaliland receive, contributing to its stability?

<p>$1.3 billion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following did NOT contribute to Somaliland's financial independence?

<p>International recognition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the lack of external interference in Somaliland's informal systems?

<p>Enhancing the alignment of networks with state-building goals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary ways a state can fail according to the content?

<p>Failure to provide basic security and public goods (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Rwanda address its post-genocide judicial backlog?

<p>By creating the Gacaca court system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of governance did the Rwandan Patriotic Front prioritize after the genocide?

<p>Economic development and reconciliation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critique does Reyntjens offer regarding state-building in Rwanda?

<p>It has suppressed political freedoms and dissent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of state-building in Somaliland distinguishes it from southern Somalia?

<p>Locally driven, bottom-up initiatives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches to governance was employed in Rwanda post-genocide?

<p>Centralized control with strong governance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one focus of Rwanda's Vision 2020 program?

<p>Economic transformation and poverty reduction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Somaliland establish governance frameworks after declaring independence?

<p>By leveraging traditional clan structures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a central critique of China's role in Africa?

<p>China engages in debt-trap diplomacy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a motive for China's engagement in Africa?

<p>Supporting democracy in Africa. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples is cited regarding concerns of debt in Africa?

<p>Zambia's significant indebtedness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'One China' policy imply?

<p>Non-recognition of Taiwan's legitimacy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a benefit of Chinese investment in Africa?

<p>It finances projects neglected by Western donors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the environmental and social costs mentioned related to resource-driven projects?

<p>Deforestation, displacement, and labor exploitation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the term 'positive sum game' in the context of China's engagement in Africa?

<p>Both China and Africa benefit mutually. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concern is raised about the transparency of China’s loan agreements?

<p>They often lack clarity and oversight. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did social media play in the #EndSARS movement?

<p>It amplified youth-driven activism and coordinated protests. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by gender mainstreaming in the context of political representation?

<p>Integrating gender-sensitive policies throughout government institutions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the concept of substantive representation?

<p>The impact of women's participation on policies affecting women's rights. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did crowdfunding contribute to the #EndSARS movement?

<p>It provided essential goods and resources for protesters. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge mentioned regarding state repression and activism?

<p>The ease of targeting specific activists by the state. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of political representation, descriptive representation refers to what?

<p>The actual number of women in political positions relative to their population percentage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome of women receiving more training according to the provided content?

<p>They inspire more confidence in social movements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the #EndSARS protests illustrate the role of women in social movements?

<p>Women helped amplify trust and garner support for the movement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Extra-Legal Force

A situation where the use of power by elites beyond the law is used to suppress political opposition.

Transitional Phase

A period of change in a government, often from authoritarian to democratic rule.

Political Contestation Escalating into Violence

A situation in which political competition leads to violence, often fueled by ethnic or social divisions.

Inverted U Hypothesis

The idea that political regimes are more stable when they are either strongly authoritarian or strongly democratic, and less stable during transitions or periods of moderate power.

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Ghana Democratization Case

A successful example of democratic transition in Ghana, with peaceful power transfers between the two main political parties.

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Acceptance of Election Results

The acceptance of election results by defeated candidates, strengthening democratic norms.

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Active Citizen Participation

The involvement of citizens in democratic processes, such as voting and expressing their opinions.

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Democratic Conflict Resolution

The ability of a democracy to resolve conflicts through established legal frameworks, such as courts.

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Genocide

The intentional killing of members of a particular ethnic group, often driven by political agendas.

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Ethnic favoritism

The process of favoring one ethnic group over another, often through policies that benefit one group over another.

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Ethnic politics

The use of ethnic divisions and animosities to gain political power.

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State weakness

The weakening of a state's ability to control its territory and enforce its laws, often leading to instability and violence.

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Conflict spillover

The spreading of conflict beyond a state's borders, often due to refugee movements or cross-border alliances.

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Ivoirité

A political ideology based on the idea of a distinct national identity, often used to exclude or marginalize certain groups.

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Identity politics

The use of ethnicity or cultural identity as the primary basis for political conflict.

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Authoritarian regime

A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single person or a small group, often characterized by limited freedoms and repression.

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Gender mainstreaming

The practice of systematically integrating gender perspectives into all policies and programs across government institutions to promote equality between women and men.

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Gender and political representation

The involvement of women in political decision-making processes, ensuring their voices and interests are represented in government.

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Social media as a mobilization tool

The #EndSARS movement in Nigeria showed how social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram empowered youth-driven activism, challenging state repression by coordinating protests, sharing information, and amplifying voices.

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Women's role in social movements

Women's role in social movements is often crucial due to their ability to garner trust from local and international communities, increasing the chances of securing international aid.

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Crowdsourced funding in social movements

The use of crowdfunding to provide resources such as food, water, and medical supplies to protesters, supplementing official support or filling gaps in government response.

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South Africa's post-apartheid gender mainstreaming

The transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa highlights how post-conflict societies can institutionalize gender equity through reforms, quotas, and mainstreaming efforts.

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Descriptive vs. Substantive representation

The idea that democratic transitions can be more stable when there are both descriptive and substantive representations of women in political positions.

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Monetary funding: strings attached

A situation where aid provided by donors comes with conditions or expectations on how the aid should be used, often influencing policies and practices in recipient countries.

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Informal Economy

Economic activities that operate outside the formal legal framework and regulations of a state.

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Hawala

A system of money transfer based on trust and personal relationships, often used in regions with limited access to formal banking systems.

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Remittances

The direct or indirect financing of political actors or organizations by individuals or groups residing outside a country.

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Piracy

The practice of using force or violence, often by individuals or groups, to hijack ships and demand ransom payments.

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Informal Economy = State-Building

The use of informal economies as a means of fostering governance and state-building, often seen in regions with weak formal institutions.

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Parallel Economies

Parallel systems of power and influence that operate outside the control of formal state institutions, often arising in weak states.

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Clandestine Economies Creating Cycles of Instability

The process by which informal economic activities undermine state-building efforts by diverting resources and power away from formal institutions.

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State Failure

A state fails to provide basic services like security, public goods, and poverty reduction, resulting in instability and vulnerability.

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Inability to Meet Basic Demands

A state's failure to meet its primary responsibilities, which includes maintaining order and protecting its citizens.

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Failure to Provide Legitimacy

A state's failure to gain the public's trust due to a lack of transparency and accountability, leading to instability and distrust.

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State-Building

A process of rebuilding state institutions, governance, and social order following conflict.

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Top-Down State-Building

A centralized and controlled approach to state-building, often involving strong governance but potentially limiting political freedom.

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Rwandan State-Building

The Rwandan experience after its genocide, showcasing the benefits of centralized control at the cost of political freedoms.

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Bottom-Up State-Building

A bottom-up approach to state-building, where local actors and traditional structures play a significant role.

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Somaliland's State-Building

The case of Somaliland, which has achieved stability and functionality through a combination of clan-based systems and modern state institutions.

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Debt-trap diplomacy

A situation where countries become heavily indebted to China through unclear loan agreements, potentially leading to Chinese control of strategic assets like ports and mines.

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Positive sum game

The idea that both China and Africa can benefit from their economic relationship, highlighting the potential for mutual gains.

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China's motive in Africa: Resources only?

The critique that China's engagement in Africa prioritizes resource extraction over genuine development and true partnerships.

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China's economic interests in Africa

China's interest in gaining access to African markets for both exporting Chinese goods and importing African minerals.

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Transparency in China-Africa relationships

The concern that China's lack of transparency in loan agreements with African nations raises questions about sovereignty and control over strategic assets.

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China's international image

China's efforts to strengthen its global image through investments in Africa, showcasing its role as a responsible global power.

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One China policy

China's policy of opposing Taiwanese independence and promoting recognition of only one China, which can influence its engagement with African nations.

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China's role in closing Africa's infrastructure gap

The positive impact of Chinese investment in Africa, including infrastructure development projects that Western donors have neglected, addressing Africa's infrastructure gap.

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Study Notes

Final Exam Preparation - POLI 324

  • Tips for exam preparation from another course include being familiar with authors, ideas, and broader questions. Construct a thesis, use topic sentences, and mobilize relevant articles when answering the questions. Good structure is important for this exam.

Format for Studying

  • Key concepts like democratization and case studies.
  • Associated readings and concepts (e.g., coups) related to authors and case studies.
  • Other key words (e.g., specific political events).

POLI 324 - Final Study Guide

Democratization

  • The Third Wave of Democratization, coined by Huntington, describes a global wave of transitions from the mid-1970s to the 1990s, including the peaceful transition of Benin to democracy in 1991. Democratization is a complex process, not an instantaneous event, and its success is not guaranteed.
  • The possible backslide of democratic systems, even in wealthier and more established democracies, is a key aspect. Maintaining democracy requires enduring commitments from the society, including structural and societal commitments.

Economic Bases of Democratization (Bates)

  • Bates argues that the challenge to democracy in Africa stems from its reliance on natural resources. Bates argues the economic base of democracy depends on the relationship between taxation and representation, using Western democracies as a point of comparison.
  • Natural resource extraction in Africa can allow revenue collection without broad taxation of citizens who are dependent on the state. This can make democratic representation less important for government.
  • There is noted concern about resource-dependent states being less democratic, and that this may lead to a lack of middle class in these societies. This lack of middle class means international actors become needed for reform.

Klopp (Kenya) (CASE STUDY OF TRANSITIONAL VIOLENCE)

  • Political violence is often elevated during transitional periods as regimes and opposition entities vie for power.
  • Violent conflict between ethnic groups fighting for power during transitional periods undermines the success of democratic transitions.

Successful Democratization (Ghana)

  • Ghana's successful transitions of power from the NDC and NPP demonstrates a commitment to the democratic process.
  • Peaceful transitions demonstrated a commitment to democratic processes.

General Case for Africa (DRC)

  • DRC's case study highlights the resource curse, where reliance on natural resources including cobalt and diamonds, can lead to an undermining of democratic governance, corruption, and instability.

African Model for Democracy (Cheeseman)

  • Cheeseman argues for a focus on participation and consensus in African democracies rather than prioritizing Western-style multiparty elections.
  • Julius Nyerere's one-party state in Tanzania is presented as an example that challenged Western-style democracies.

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Final Study Guide POLI 324 PDF

Description

This quiz examines key factors influencing political dynamics and ethnic tensions in Kenya and Ghana. Explore significant events, theories, and issues affecting democracy and governance in these nations. Test your knowledge about the challenges and successes in Ghana's political participation and constitutional performance.

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