The autocratic resurgence affecting multiple countries globally in the recent years does not spare the African continent. West Africa, for example, has lately become notorious for both populist military coups and “constitutional coups” by elected civilian leaders. The post 1989 wave of democratization seems to wane in Africa, too.
This workshop aims to address the factors affecting democratic governance in Africa and identify patterns of democratic resilience. Participating experts will examine internal dynamics, external influences, and their interplay across the continent to identify sustainable strategies that foster resilience and promote democratic practices. The analyses will be enhanced by a comparative perspective on the experiences of post Soviet Europe.
Focusing on shifting the narrative from democratic backsliding to a more constructive framework of emphasizing democratic resilience, the workshop will explore the following questions, among others:
- What internal reforms and factors have been most effective in strengthening democratic resilience in Africa?
- How can we bridge the gap between the demand for democracy and the supply of effective governance to ensure more stable and responsive systems?
- What role do external actors play in strengthening or weakening democratic resilience in Africa?
- How do economic reforms interact with democratic reforms and impact governance and state performance in Africa?
- What practical lessons offer the experiences from post 1989 Eastern Europe for African nations, and vice versa?
The workshop will take place on the 18 November, 2024 between 12.30 PM and 6 PM.
Participation is by invitation only.
Registration for this event is closed.