ABSTRACT
This chapter defines and discusses the economy of affection, which is at the root of how African countries are being governed through a mish-mash of formal and informal institutions. It offers a definition and a set of illustrations of how political science analysis operates. The chapter argues that although the economy of affection is most prevalent in African societies, it is a phenomenon that exists elsewhere as well. It discusses the governance implications of the prevalence of the informal institutions. Self-defence refers to informal institutions that mobilize support against a common threat or enemy, whether real or perceived. Charisma, one may argue, is the ultimate informal institution. R. Lemarchand rendered the first systematic account of clientelism in African politics. The chapter concludes that although the economy of affection is an integral – and dominant – element in political governance in Africa, it is by no means impossible to tackle and overcome when it proves to have negative consequences.
