Africa Today: Culture, Economics, Religion, Security Heather Deegan In the post 9/11 global environment Africa, is standing at a crossroads in international affairs as the combined issues of politics, religion and security attract renewed interest. While some countries seem to be moving forward with greater levels of confidence, democracy and stability, others continue to be mired in conflict, poverty and religious/ethnic division. This text focuses on key contemporary issues that the continent faces, providing a comprehensive introduction of current political, religious, developmental and security concerns. Features include: • Individual chapters devoted to key issues including health, gender, corruption, religion and the newly emerging problems of human security. • Case studies and detailed analysis of topical issues, such as: - Muslim/Christian clashes: Kano, Northern Nigeria - Conflict, Arms and Reconstruction: Darfur and Sierra Leone • Comprehensive range of countries discussed including - Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Lesotho, Somalia, Namibia and Madagascar. • Fully up-to-date statistics including primary research based on interviews conducted by the author, providing data for both individual countries and the continent as a whole. • Boxed descriptions explaining clearly the ideas in important subject areas, such as Islamic law and society. By drawing on the author's empirical research and situating discussion within the context of wider debate, Africa Today is designed both to introduce and to develop a deeper understanding of this rapidly changing continent. It is an essential text for all students of African politics and International Relations. Heather Deegan is Reader in Comparative Politics at Middlesex University, UK. Her publications include Third Worlds: The Politics of the Middle East and Africa (Routledge, 1996).