The author of this treatise, Godknows Boladei Igali, is a highly respected Nigerian statesman, having served as ambassador to ten countries, most recently in Scandinavia. He here examines the history and current political demographics of his home continent of one billion people. The history of African states has included coups, rebellions, and, in the process, bloodshed. The legacy of colonialism in Africa and Latin America cast a troubling shadow over both regions, with deep scars of slavery, dependence, and the appropriation of natural resources by foreign powers which in turn engenders frustration and rage. At the end of the colonial era, a perilous power vacuum was too often filled by ruthless, militaristic leaders. Adding to this the present threat of climate change on the continent, there is a crucial need for an ameliorating, uniting force. One such force in which Igali vests hope for the future is the New Partnership for Africa's Development, or NEPAD, and its outgrowth, the African Peer Review Mechanism, a voluntary program to help emergent African states develop people-centered perspectives.

A well-educated, seasoned political professional, Igali writes in an objective and scholarly fashion, illustrating his points for current needs by citing the blunders and suffering of the past. Despite the continent's difficult heritage, he asserts that, "democracy has come to stay in most African countries." He sincerely believes and positively presents his case that, with its abundance of resources and its large population, Africa, like China, can be a serious player on the world scene. Igali's well-organized exposition is a must-read for anyone with a serious interest in the potential of a unified Africa as a world power.

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