Defeating Dictators

A searing indictment of Africa’s endemic dictatorships, from one of the continent’s most outspoken advocates.

“[Ayittey’s] forthright language, lucid analyses, and pragmatic attitude makes this a compelling and timely challenge to the despotism-as-usual status quo.” —Publishers Weekly

Many in the West have come to see oppressive regimes as an unavoidable part of African politics, but democracy movements in the Middle East and Africa demonstrate what happens when people take back control. For two decades George Ayittey has been calling for Africa to throw off the shackles of tyrannical governments, and here he takes a hard look at the continent’s struggles. He argues the Western governments, and even democratic movements, have been complicit in helping dictators consolidate power. As newly liberated countries work to establish democracy, Ayittey provides a clear-eyed and forthright look at what the continent needs to establish democracy.

“There are few greater experts in the nature of and flaws of tyranny [than Ayittey]. . . . All those labouring under authoritarian systems that seem invulnerable, from Zimbabwe to Jordan and even maybe China, should heed Ayittey’s strictures. So should their rulers. So too should Western officials tempted to water down their principles when working in illiberal regimes.” —Alec Russell, Financial Times