Drawing together contributions from academics based in Africa and its diaspora, this work is unique in considering the situation and status of Africans globally. It explores a broad range of contemporary issues - from development and culture to linguistics - within the socio-political framework of Africa in the 21st century. 'This challenging book calls for a fresh perspective on Africa in its interrelations with the African diaspora, combining development studies and political economy with post-colonial theory. It invites us to reconsider the nature of African modernity and the African future. Varied and wide-ranging, the contributions to the book will stimulate debate both in the classroom and outside it.' Professor Karin Barber, Centre of West African Studies, University of Birmingham, UK 'An extremely stimulating and readable book, sprinkled with claims and explanations old, new, and controversial. A graceful and refreshing contribution to the exploration of African forms of confronting and inhabiting the world at large.' Achille Mbembe, author of On the Postcolony