This state-of-the-art introduction to contemporary African politics has been carefully designed to provide not only thorough coverage of the full range of core topics, but also an awareness and understanding of key theoretical issues and controversies. Drawing on their extensive teaching and fieldwork experience, Pierre Englebert and Kevin Dunn offer: A straightforward, accessible style, taking even complex ideas easy to understand; A balanced approach, exposing multiple perspectives on contested issues; A focus on both states and citizens, politics from above and below; Discussions of existing policies, as well as policy implications of different approaches; An abundance of rich data and illustrative examples. The authors also highlight the contributions of African experiences to broader knowledge in the areas of comparative politics and international relations. Their book will serve both as an essential text and as a long term resource for students and scholars alike.