What is not done is a factor in political analysis. Non-voting, non-rebellion, non-membership, non-conformity, non-payment of taxes and non-formal employment are often overlooked. This is the escape from domination which is known as disengagement.

Africans have long resorted to a range of strategies to survive domination. Confronation makes the headliens but is frequently unsuccessful. Alternative strategies that are within reach and entail minimum risk are, for many, an improvement on doing nothing.

The current debate on Africa focuses on improving the performance of the economy and activity of the state. Yet, disengagement constitutes an erosive for working against the best laid plans. Programs to establish good governance and economic growth must take this factor into account. 

In this book Bruce Baker provides a bold and valuable model for students of third world politics and for those agencies concerned with sustaining democracy in Africa.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BRUCE BAKER is a post-doctral research fellow at the African Studies Centre at Coventry University.

CATEGORY
Politics/AFRICA