Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home Africana Periodical Literature Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Federations: shared rule and self-rule in the search for stable governance
Author:De Villiers, BertusISNI
Year:2012
Periodical:Politikon: South African Journal of Political Studies (ISSN 0258-9346)
Volume:39
Issue:3
Pages:391-410
Language:English
Geographic terms:world
Africa
Subject:federalism
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02589346.2012.746188
Abstract:In a world searching for stability, federations have flourished in situations of diversity, where flexibility and adaptability are required within the confines of national unity. Federations do not have the monopoly to accommodate diversity, but the essence of the philosophy that underpins federations is supportive of the existence of multiple identities, constitutional guarantees for power-sharing and self-rule, constitutionalism and judicial oversight. These are all elements that are attractive to many emerging democracies. This article investigates the reasons why federation has become so popular in young, developing democracies. The article concludes that the twin-characteristics of federations - constitutionally guaranteed 'shared rule' and 'self-rule' - are essential ingredients and building blocks in a world where many emerging democracies are yearning for stability. In Africa, the Comoros, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa and South Sudan have a federal system of government. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
Views
Cover