African states have been in flux since long before colonial powers carved up the continent into bite-sized chunks at the end of the 19th century.

In the 60 years since most became independent, new trends have emerged. Some have reflected history, both colonial and pre-colonial, from ethnic rivalries and migrating populations to authoritarian structures, extractive institutions and irrational borders.

Others reflect new dynamics both local and global – economic imbalances, demographic dynamism, changing climate and a changing balance of global power. But in particular there is a shift in the ideological basis of the state: how do people view it, what do they expect and what do governments think they should do?

This is a joint event with the Oxford Martin Programme on African Governance

This talk will be live in-person and online

To register to attend live in-person in Oxford: www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/events/the-state-of-the-african-state

To register to watch live online on Crowdcast: www.crowdcast.io/e/the-state-of-the-african-state