This groundbreaking book makes sense of the complexities and dynamics of post-colonial politics, illustrating how post-colonial theory has marginalised a huge part of its constituency, namely Africa.Politics and Post-Colonial Theory traces how African identity has been constituted and reconstituted by examining issues such as: * negritude* the rise of nationalism* decolonisation.The book also questions how helpful post-colonial analysis can be in understanding the complexities which define institutions including: * the nation-state* civil society* human rights* citizenship.Politics and Post-colonial Theory bravely breaks down disciplinary boundaries. Its radical vision will be essential reading for all those engaged in Politics, post-colonial studies and African studies.