Mbaku, Saxena, and their contributors examine the problems faced by Africa as it decides what to do to improve its ability to contribute to and benefit from the new globalization. Today, the continent stands at a crossroads; it must choose between joining the new global society and pursuing a process of internal self-reliance. The dilemma the continent faces is how to participate in and benefit from the new global economy as well as retain and also benefit from its emerging regional economic and political schemes.

The book is written by a group of highly skilled and committed Africanists and is intended to make a significant contribution to the debate on poverty alleviation in Africa as well as on improving Africa's ability to participate in and benefit from the new globalization and how to achieve the type of peaceful coexistence in Africa that will enhance economic growth and development. It contains a refreshing, vigorous, and informative analysis of poverty alleviation strategies in the continent, how to achieve lasting peace and enhance the peaceful co-existence of population groups, and how to improve the continent's ability to participate more effectively in the new globalization. It emphasizes the importance of good policies and laws and institutions not only to peaceful coexistence, but also to sustainable poverty alleviation strategies. As Africans prepare themselves and their societies for the new globalization, it is critical that they provide themselves with governance structures that are locally-focused, and that enhance peace and sustainable development.