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FEATURED RESEARCH: “Questioning Tocqueville in Africa”
"Questioning Tocqueville in Africa: Continuity and Change in Civil society During Nigeria’s Democratization"
Alexis de Tocqueville's influence on the democratization literature has encouraged the idea that transitions require an independent civil society. However this view reifies boundaries between state and society, and it over-predicts civil society confrontation with governments. Drawing upon Hegel, I develop a model that clusters organizations according to goal orientation and autonomy. I then examine civil society during Nigeria’s democratization. I attribute changes in autonomy and goal orientation of organizations to transnational organizing, coalition building, and repression. My findings question the assumption that autonomous organizations will challenge the state.
(This article appears in the February 2011 issue of Democratization, vol. 18, no. 1)
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3 Responses
Adejor Abel - May 14, 2010
This publication brings to fore te issue of govenance, transparency and accountability of the governed by the govern. It shows the level of neglect, self centred and lack the mora justification for the elected leaders. Democracy as I understand is to bring the governed closed and for the people. But revised is the case in Nigeria. Candidates are selected before elections, undue subtitution during party primaries. If you stand the way of the selected you, hired killers are sent after you among others.
This is a very good study and we can use it to engage them effectvely. Keep it up!.
Bartholomew Larson - May 31, 2010
This publication brings to fore te issue of govenance, transparency and accountability of the governed by the govern. It shows the level of neglect, self centred and lack the mora justification for the elected leaders. Democracy as I understand is to bring the governed closed and for the people. But revised is the case in Nigeria. Candidates are selected before elections, undue subtitution during party primaries. If you stand the way of the selected you, hired killers are sent after you among others.This is a very good study and we can use it to engage them effectvely. Keep it up!.
+1
Alisun Hauck - June 12, 2010
This publication brings to fore te issue of govenance, transparency and accountability of the governed by the govern. It shows the level of neglect, self centred and lack the mora justification for the elected leaders. Democracy as I understand is to bring the governed closed and for the people. But revised is the case in Nigeria. Candidates are selected before elections, undue subtitution during party primaries. If you stand the way of the selected you, hired killers are sent after you among others.This is a very good study and we can use it to engage them effectvely. Keep it up!.+1
+1
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