Angolan Political Thought - by Luis Cordeiro-Rodrigues (Hardcover)

About the Book

Angolan Political Thought introduces anticolonial thinkers whose writings on colonialism and liberation have been instrumental in the formation of Angolan identity. It focuses on the political nature of these thinkers and how their work has impacted Angolan political reality. Luâis Cordeiro-Rodrigues both introduces and critically analyzes the thought of Queen Njinga, Mâario Pinto de Andrade, Agostinho Neto and Pepetela and systematically addresses five important topics in Angolan political thought. Firstly, it gives a general introduction to African political philosophy and explains the place of Angolan political thought in this. Secondly, it explains how different Angolan thinkers have conceptualized colonialism and its effects on the global Black community. Thirdly, the book surveys what key Angolan thinkers have identified as legitimate and effective tools of liberation and resistance from colonialism. For example, it addresses the place of poetry for liberation, as well as the justification for war against colonial powers. Fourth, this book will explain the different theories that Africa and, in particular, African identity, consists of. Finally, it will look at Angolan theories of distributive justice and compensation for historical injustices.

Book Synopsis

Angolan Political Thought introduces anticolonial thinkers whose writings on colonialism and liberation have been instrumental in the formation of Angolan identity. It focuses on the political nature of these thinkers and how their work has impacted Angolan political reality.

Luís Cordeiro-Rodrigues both introduces and critically analyzes the thought of Queen Njinga, Mário Pinto de Andrade, Agostinho Neto and Pepetela and systematically addresses five important topics in Angolan political thought. Firstly, it gives a general introduction to African political philosophy and explains the place of Angolan political thought in this. Secondly, it explains how different Angolan thinkers have conceptualized colonialism and its effects on the global Black community. Thirdly, the book surveys what key Angolan thinkers have identified as legitimate and effective tools of liberation and resistance from colonialism. For example, it addresses the place of poetry for liberation, as well as the justification for war against colonial powers. Fourth, this book will explain the different theories that Africa and, in particular, African identity, consists of. Finally, it will look at Angolan theories of distributive justice and compensation for historical injustices.

Review Quotes

"Angolan Political Thought offers a rich, systematic interpretation of a tradition of African political thinking that has been unduly neglected in the English-speaking academia. Luis Cordeiro-Rodrigues deftly combines historical narrative and philosophical analysis in a work that should be of interest to anyone working in the field of African political philosophy today." --Katrin Flikschuh, Professor of Political Theory, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

"Angolan Political Thought is a tour de force. Diving into 500 years of history, Luís Cordeiro-Rodrigues reveals the intellectual and philosophical foundations of Angola's people resilience, resistance, and struggle for liberation through a gallery of portraits ranging from the 15th century King Alfonso I to the 20th century" --Augustin F. C. Holl, Distinguished Professor and Director of Africa Research Center, Xiamen University, China

"This political philosophy book is an outstanding resource because it uses Angolan colonial experience as a placeholder to cast new light into the problems of colonialism in Africa. Anyone interested in understating the perils of colonialism as it relates to African contemporary political situation should profit from Luís Cordeiro-Rodrigues' work. He is a valuable fresh voice exploring what it is that is still stymying African progress. This book is a rewarding read." --Ajume Wingo, Associate Professor of Philosophy and the Director of Law and Philosophy Program, University of Colorado-Boulder, USA

About the Author

Luís Cordeiro-Rodrigues is Full Professor of Philosophy at the Yuelu Academy, Hunan University, China. He has published over 70 articles in leading journals in ethics, African, and comparative philosophy.