Postcolonialism, the politics of ethnic and religious identity, and the role of women in African society and politics have become important, and often connected, foci in African studies. Here, fifteen chapters explore these themes in tandem. With essays that span the continent, this volume showcases the political histories, challenges, and promise of contemporary Africa.
Written in honor of Crawford Young, a foundational figure in the study of African politics, the essays reflect the breadth and intellectual legacy of this towering scholar and illustrate the vast impact Young had, and continues to have, on the field. The book's themes build from his seminal publications, and the essays were written by leading scholars who were trained by Young.

Scott Straus, professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley, is a founding editor of the University of Wisconsin Press's Critical Human Rights series. His books include Making and Unmaking Nations: War, Leadership, and Genocide in Modern Africa.

Aili Mari Tripp, professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a founding editor of the University of Wisconsin Press's Women and Gender in Africa series. Her books include Women and Power in Postconflict Africa.

Contributors: Dauda Abubakar, Melinda J. Adams, Ladan Affi, Gretchen Bauer, Akosua K. Darkwah, Joshua B. Forrest, John W. Harbeson, Cédric Jourde, Edmond J. Keller, Timothy Longman, Kaden Paulson-Smith, William Reno, Rachel Betty Riedl, Joel Samoff, Scott Straus, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Aili Mari Tripp