Home to more than 1. 2 billion people living in 54 recognized states speaking around 3000 languages Africa is a diverse and complex continent made up of states which differ in regard to their colonial history political system socio-economic development economic polices and their experience with crises and conflicts. This introduction and overview of African history and politics since decolonization emphasises throughout the diversity of the continent. Organised thematically to include chapters on decolonization and its legacies external influences economics political systems inter-African relations crises conflicts and conflict management and Africa''s external relations Martin Welz strikes a fine balance between the use of contextual information analysis case studies and examples with theoretical debates in development politics and global policy. Accessible to students at all levels it counters histories which offer reductive explanations of complex issues and offers new insights into the role African actors have played in influencing international affairs beyond the continent. Language: English