Book launch: The Politics of Political Party Coalitions, ed. Denis Kadima

This joint publication from EISA, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the Embassy of Finland was launched this week in Johannesburg. Political party coalitions have become a significant feature of contemporary African politics. Yet, to date, there have been virtually no major comparative studies of the politics of such coalitions. This important book goes some way to filling that vacuum. The authors document, analyse and explain various aspects of the coalition process as it has played itself out in Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique and South Africa and, in the concluding chapter, compare and draw lessons from the experiences of the five countries.

The Politics of Party Coalitions in Africa is an essential book to read, both for scholars and practitioners. In scholarly terms, it contributes to theory-building about party coalitions. It also de-romanticises the notion of party coalitions as a shortcut to power. It meticulously records the pitfalls and potholes that most party coalitions face.
- Prof Susan Booysens, Graduate School of Public & Development Management (P&DM) University of the Witwatersrand

The structure of the book

• Chapter 1 The Study of Party Coalitions in Africa: Importance, Scope, Theory and Research Methodology by Denis Kadima;
• Chapter 2 Party Coalitions in Post-Apartheid South Africa and their Impact on National Cohesion and Ideological Rapprochement by Denis Kadima;
• Chapter 3 The Formation, Collapse and Revival of Political Party Coalitions in Mauritius: Ethnic Logic and Calculation at Play by Denis Kadima and Roukaya Kasenally;
• Chapter 4 Making, Unmaking and Remaking Political Party Coalitions in Malawi: Explaining the Prevalence of Office-Seeking Behaviour by Denis Kadima and Samson Lembani;
• Chapter 5 RENAMO União Eleitoral: Understanding the Longevity and Challenges of an Opposition Party Coalition in Mozambique by Denis Kadima and Zefanias Matsimbe;
• Chapter 6 The National Rainbow Coalition: Achievements and Challenges of Building and Sustaining a Broad-Based Political Party Coalition in Kenya by Denis Kadima and Felix Owuor;
• Chapter 7 African Party Alliances: Comparisons, Conclusions and Lessons by Denis Kadima.

Download a presentation from the author about this book: the presentation includes a summary of the research methodology used and the theory behind the project, as well as the structure and contents of the book. The findings and lessons that inform its conclusions complete the presentation.

Contact contact EISA for more information or order your copy.

The publication of this book was sponsored by the Embassy of Finland and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.