The Anthropology of Anger:
Civil Society and Democracy in Africa

by Célestin Monga

Many scholars claim that the ongoing democratization process in Africa is doomed to fail because the political reforms have been imposed by external donors. Others challenge the very roots of the current changes, alleging that Africa needs cultural and economic adjustments before being ready for sustainable democracy. Célestin Monga argues that both views are wrong

Célestin Monga argues that both views are wrong. African peoples, he demonstrates, have been trying for decades to challenge authoritarianism, but their patterns of behavior could not be captured by the classical tools used for measuring political participation and political culture. The Anthropology of Anger sheds light on the continent’s long tradition of an indigenous form of activism.

Analyzing social changes from a grassroots perspective, Monga shows that the quest for freedom in Africa is deeply entrenched. His work provides new frameworks for understanding Africa’s internal social dynamics, and reveals how Africa—an unusual political “market” with highly creative political entrepreneurs—is renewing democratic theory.

Choice Outstanding Academic Book

“Monga offers many creative insights on factors affecting political processes in Africa.... The Anthropology of Anger is an important book.”

—Journal of Modern African Studies

“An original and provocative contribution to the current debate on the meaning and significance of democracy in Africa.”

—Journal of Development Studies

“Excellent ... this book should be required reading for Africanists.”

—Choice

“An exciting, challenging, and highly original work from one of Africa’s most important democratic thinkers. This book will be of keen interest to anyone concerned with the nature of democratic development in Africa.”

—Larry Diamond

About the author.

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The Anthropology of Anger: Civil Society and Democracy in Africa