"African politics is one of the most vibrant and dynamic areas of research, and the fastest growing. In addition to important debates around the potential for democratic consolidations, the drivers of ethnic violence, the barriers to development, and the role of foreign powers, researchers are engaged in an important conversation about the need to "decolonize" African studies and to make sure that we study Africa ethically. This volume - the largest ever published on African politics - provides essential insights into these all of questions and many many more. Bringing together world leading researchers from Africa, the United States and Europe, it features cutting-edge chapters on a remarkably broad range of topics including helpful chapters on key methodologies and approaches as well as all of the major topics in the discipline. Each clearly written piece provides a concise summary of the state of the art before drawing on new ideas and evidence to push the debate forward. The volume is therefore essential reading for both first time students and established researchers. Curated by a widely respected team of editors, particular areas of strength include: political institutions; identity politics and the significance of ethnicity and religion; the African state and its strengths and weaknesses; development politics; economic policy and management; ideas and ideologies; international relations and regional politics; conflict, violence and civil war; political and social movements; media and political communication; elections and democracy; research methods and approaches; and, ethics and the politics of research"--