Africa emerges : consummate challenges, abundant opportunities /

For over 35 years Rotberg (Harvard Univ.) has been an influential voice on state conflict and state development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This volume aims to provide a virtual "white paper" outlining the challenges (six chapters) and opportunities (four chapters) confronting contemporary Africa. Even with an avalanche of well selected and cited data inclusive of all sub-Saharan states, the work is well organized, clear, and readable. Despite the festering challenges of the coming "demographic explosion, education scarcity, persistent disease, energy shortfalls, widespread corruption, civil war, food scarcity, job shortages," Rotberg remains optimistic. The mobile telephone revolution, Chinese investment and merchantilism, the rise of an aspirational middle class, and a recognition of the need for good governance feed this optimism. Driving the continued emergence of Africa will be educational advancement, continued Chinese engagement, and above all an emergence of transformational leadership. Quick case studies throughout drive the narrative. One would be hard-pressed to find a better and more useful review of contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. R. M. Fulton emeritus, Northwest Missouri State University