This seminar considers two kinds of innovation related to African
political economy.  Emerging and distinctive forms of political and
economic organization on the continent are creating new and dynamic
potentials for meeting today's grave challenges to survival and
prosperity.  At the same time,these initiatives challenge conventional
modes of analysis in stimulating ways. Theoretical innovations have
also emerged from the study of African societies that highlight new
aspects of political and economic organization and promise new
insights into negotiations of power on a global level and in otherlocal
communities.  Readings and presentations will feature a range of
outside and IU speakers.