Africa from the Cold War to the 21st century

Roel van der Veen, senior policy official in the Department of Foreign Affairs, The Hague

Roel van der Veen's recently published book (Afrika van de Koude Oorlog naar de 21ste eeuw- Africa from the Cold War to the 21st century) focuses on the functioning –or rather dysfunctioning- of African states. As a consequence of their historical trajectory these states have not followed western models. Most new states struggle to perform even the basic functions of modern states, such as the maintenance of law and order, and fail to provide basic services to their population. The consequences are far reaching, ranging from massive poverty to insecurity and violent conflict. Phenomena such as large-scale migration and the rampant AIDS epidemic should also be seen in this context of failing states. African peoples and outside donors perceive democratisation as a means to improve the performance of African states. But there is no quick fix to remedy Africa's woes.