From Protest to Parties

Party-Building and Democratization in Africa

Adrienne LeBas

 

Book not available in Zimbabwe.

Synopsis

From Protest to Parties draws upon an in-depth analysis of three countries in Anglophone Africa: Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya. Though these countries share similar institutional frameworks, including electoral rules, opposition party development takes a different route in each. In addition to providing a unique window into the politics of mobilization and protest in closed political regimes, the book sheds light on how the choices of political elites affect organizational development.

Review

The intricate exploration of the origins and outcomes of political party development in From Protest to Parties shows that conflict is a double-edged sword. It can amplify popular protests and make parties stronger, thereby promoting democracy, but it can also trigger authoritarian backlash. - Michael Bratton

Author

Adrienne LeBas is an Assistant Professor of Government at the School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, DC.