ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the post-Cold War phase of the global capitalist order has impacted the democratization struggle in Africa. The relationship between globalization and democracy is rather complex since globalization tends to promote and hinder democratization. The chapter discusses the essence of globalization and also examines the scope of democracy as conceived and projected by globalization forces. It also discusses the impacts of globalization on relations among social classes in the African context. The chapter explores the impacts of globalization on state-society relations in Africa and describes the implications of globalization for Africa's struggle for democratization. Historically, state building was achieved initially, largely by means of force, before it was consolidated through the integration of economic and political infrastructures. Reducing state intervention in the economy can be positive since it gives space to civil society to mobilize resources towards poverty-alleviation. The impacts of globalization on the state are a highly controversial issue.
