This course provides a broad introduction to the politics of contemporary Africa, emphasizing along the way the diversity of African politics. It seeks to challenge the widespread image of African politics as universally and inexplicably lawless, violent, and anarchic. This course begins by examining the nature and legacies of colonial rule and nationalist movements. From there, we consider the African state, highlighting the factors that have made some states weak and others strong. The course then turns to how ethnicity, class and civil society operate as bases of political mobilization. Finally, the course analyzes the causes, consequences and limitations of the recent waves of political and economic liberalization across Africa.