ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the macro- and mesolevels, and more specifically on the African state and on state-society relationships, as a source and locus of uncertainties. Sub-Saharan Africa, with 10% of the world population, accounts for 70% of those infected with HIV or who are suffering from AIDS. The chapter links the contributions to a theoretical discussion of social action and agency within an environment of uncertainty. Structural adjustment programs were supposed to unleash private investments, liberalise the economy, break down excessive and corrupt state administrations and decentralise political power. Democratisation, in the form of a multiparty system in previously one-party, military or personal dictatorships, was expected to bring freedom of expression and a political voice to underrepresented and oppressed groups in society. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
