Political Stability in the New African States

Abstract

The new African states, as a group, show greater political stability than older "new states" in parallel periods. In comparative perspective, this judgment seems sound if one avoids confusing political stability with stagnation, and if one recognizes the dependence of stability, in its widest sense, upon the development of politics. Among African leaders, this rec ognition is widespread. A closer comparative analysis, even of (1) establishment of one-party systems, (2) sporadic violence, including political assassination, (3) mutinies and coups, and (4) intertribal violence, can be interpreted as pointing in the direction of political stability. The development of continen tal politics in Africa also suggests that recognition of the pri macy of politics will lead to optimal political stability.