Religion and Politics in East Africa: The Period since Independence

by Hölger Bernt Hansen, Michael Twaddle (Contribution by), Hölger Bernt Hansen (Editor), Michael Twaddle (Editor)

Overview

Religious activities have been of continuing importance in the rise of protest against postcolonial governments in Eastern Africa. Governments have attempted to "manage" religious affairs in both Muslim and Christian areas. Religious denominations have acted as advocates of human rights and in opposition to one-party-state regimes. Islamic fundamentalism changed with the ending of the Cold War.

The book is divided into four parts: The Challenge of Islam; Christianity, Sectarianism, and Politics in Uganda; Christians and Muslim in Kenyan Politics; and Cross-cultural Complications. An introductory essay by Michael Twaddle provides and overview of the changing character of politico-religious conflict in Eastern Africa. Holger Bernt Hansen summarizes the presentation with a discussion of dilemmas and challenges in the study of religion and politics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780821410868
Publisher:	Ohio University Press
Publication date:	04/15/1995
Series:	Eastern African Studies
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	1520L (what's this?)

About the Author

Hölger Bernt Hansen is director of the African Studies Center at the University of Copenhagen.

Michael Twaddle teaches politics and history at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London. Hansen and Twaddle are the editors of two renowned books, Uganda Now (1988) and Changing Uganda (1991).

Editorial Reviews

An analysis of the growing importance of religious activities in the rise of protest against post-colonial governments in Eastern Africa, divided into four parts: the challenge of Islam; Christianity, sectarianism and politics in Uganda; Christians and Muslims in Kenyan politics; and cross-cultural complications. Twaddle provides an introductory article on the changing character of politico-religious conflict in the region. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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