Political Economy of Power Sharing in Developing Countries

Nigeria has struggled with how to manage it's diversity crisis for more than sixty years of political independence. The recurring problems of inter-ethnic violence, corruption banditry, insurgency, herder-farmer conflict, and social discontent are indicative that these crises are far from over. It is indeed a great contribution to political economy, Nigerian Government and Politics and Policy studies. As a Professor of Political Economy & Development Studies, I strongly endorse it for use of academics, policy makers and all those interested in the study of the Nigerian state. -- Nnekabari Johnson * University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria * The book, Political Economy of Power Sharing in Developing Countries, is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the critical role that identity plays in shaping the politics and power dynamics of emerging economies. Akie Hart’s analysis effectively illustrates how political and non-political positions in these countries are not always a result of merit but are heavily influenced by identity politics. This phenomenon is a central cause of the developmental paralysis faced by many nations today. Hart’s research offers a deep analysis of how power-sharing mechanisms are used by elites to maintain their control over resources, often at the expense of the broader population’s welfare. -- Sakiemi Abbey Idoniboye-Obu * Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, NIgeria * Hart adeptly highlights how factors such as ethnicity, religion, and geography play a significant role in shaping power-sharing arrangements that ultimately benefit political elites rather than the masses they are meant to serve. The book brings a fresh perspective on how political power becomes a tool for economic domination, often at the expense of the broader public's well-being. Hart's research makes a significant contribution to the field of political economy and provides readers with a much-needed framework to understand the relationship between politics and economics in developing countries. I wholeheartedly recommend Political Economy of Power Sharing in Developing Countries to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the political dynamics in emerging economies. -- Nkatomba Eyina * Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria * In this insightful book, Dr. Hart interrogated and sheds light on the destructive nature of identity politics and its impact on power sharing in developing countries that has led to the present developmental paralysis. A must-read book for policymakers, scholars, students , civil society and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of power dynamics in these contexts. -- Alafuro Epelle * Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria * This book is a tour de force. The author, Akietuwopiribie Opuene Hart, carefully presents ideas on the political economy of power sharing in developing countries, shedding new light from the perspectives of African scholars. The book gives readers an insight into the nature of the struggle for power among politicians in many developing countries. Students, colleagues and the general reader will find the book helpful. -- Fidelis Allen * University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria * The work attempts to provide a solution to the vexed issue of power imbalance. Power sharing to a large extent determines or is determined by the economy. The author breaks these down in simple, yet scholarly order to address the complexity of power sharing in developing societies. I hereby endorse and commend this work for its contribution to knowledge. -- Edmund Obomanu * University of Port Harcourt. Nigeria *