The quest for democratic citizenship: contestations and geopolitical contradictions

This chapter examines notions of democracy and citizenship, the democratic models, and how some of these have manifested in practice, particularly within the African context. While there has been a wave of democratisation globally in the last half a century, this has occurred amidst fierce contestations, some militarily. Furthermore, the practice of democracy from a global standpoint, both within liberal and illiberal states, has been saddled with numerous contradictions in so far as democratic values are concerned. Drawing from varied historical literature sources and analysing contemporary practices of democracy, it is noted that despite existing contestations, contradictions, and imperfections of democracy, this political system remains the best alternative in the 21st century, especially for developing nations that still have weaker systems of governance and have a greater need for economic growth and protection of human rights. The role of citizenship education is also posited as a critical structure, necessary for an informed polity to make those who govern more accountable.