Dimensions of freedom and self-governance: Past, present, future

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Published: Nov 1, 2021
Keywords:
African governance, freedom, self-rule, past, present, future, global north, global south, universalism, particularism, culture

Main Article Content

Richard Jurgens
Good Governance Africa

Abstract

In the editorial to this – the first issue of The Africa Governance Papers – the editor starts by providing a brief overview of the content of the issue, which has the theme: “Dimensions of freedom and self-governance: Past, present, future”. He then reflects on the meaning of the term “governance”, which is understood differently in the global south and north. The differences in understanding, he argues, indicate an historical clash of understanding between universalists and particularists. The former, (mostly northern institutions and researchers) assume that their criteria for the effective running of a country apply everywhere, while the latter (mostly institutions and researchers from the global south) argue that these criteria can impose some values, while also ignoring others that are important in other parts of the world. The Africa Governance Papers, the editor continues, aims to provide a platform for publishing and debate that is based in the global south. Ultimately, though, the journal is open to submissions from scholars of disciplines relating to African governance from every part of the world.

Article Details

How to Cite
Jurgens, R. (2021). Dimensions of freedom and self-governance: Past, present, future . The Africa Governance Papers, 1(1). Retrieved from https://tagp.gga.org/index.php/system/article/view/2
Issue
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021): Dimensions of freedom and governance: past, present, future
Section
Editorial
Author Biography

Richard Jurgens, Good Governance Africa

Richard Jurgens is a former editor of GGA’s flagship publication, Africa in Fact, and has been appointed editor of GGA’s peer-reviewed academic journal, The Africa Governance Papers. He spent 10 years in exile with the ANC in Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as the Netherlands. He has worked in mainstream media, alternative media, the corporate world and for NGOs internationally and in South Africa. A published author with a memoir, a novel and several books of poetry to his name, he has a BA (Hons) in philosophy and is currently completing a Research Master’s degree in public policy studies at the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Governance.

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