Each journal article has a separate abstract and this could be accessed from the interested article as the case may be.This is the decision arrived at by the editors as far as the maiden edition is concerned.
Table of Contents
Dedication
Appreciation
Introduction
Research Objective & Topics
The primary objective of this work is to provide a historical and political account of the Liberian struggle starting from the post-Tubman era, specifically focusing on the rise of the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA) and the subsequent formation of the People's Redemption Council (PRC), while analyzing the socio-economic conditions that necessitated this activism.
- The socio-political legacy of the Tubman and Tolbert regimes.
- The formation and strategic evolution of the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA).
- The systemic impact of rural poverty and oppressive taxation on the Liberian populace.
- The intersection of civil society, student movements, and labor unions in the push for democratic reform.
- An appraisal of the 2011 electoral landscape and the quest for opposition unity.
Excerpt from the Book
INTRODUCTION
The articles and speeches included in this book are, in the main, political writings which, as Regis Debray reminds us, are by definition “ad hoc writings, wholly conditioned by narrow considerations of time and place”. * They, therefore, do not lay any claim to being academic treatises. These writings were done in the heat of struggle with the primary objective being to advance the success of our Liberian struggle.
We can put a date to this struggle. It began in 1971 following the death of President William Tubman who had ruled Liberia for 27 years. During those long and hard years, the “Old Man”—as he was affectionately called—managed to maintain a sort “of social peace” under which the exploited sectors of the population were pacified by a combination of the traditional carrot and stick method and by the Old Man’s own magnetic personality.
But with Tubman’s death, the serious contradictions which had long been festering in Liberian society were suddenly brought to a head—greatly disturbing the social equilibrium.
The workers began to radicalize their demands; elements of the intelligentsia radicalized their ideologies; the general populace began to shed off whatever little respect it had for the political leadership which had already shown signs of bankruptcy.
Summary of Chapters
Dedication: A personal tribute honoring the pioneers and fallen colleagues who sacrificed their lives for the Liberian struggle.
Appreciation: A reflection on the author's personal journey, acknowledging the support of family, friends, and colleagues during the difficult years of the struggle.
Introduction: Provides a comprehensive overview of the Liberian political landscape from 1971 through the civil conflict and up to the 2011 elections, detailing the rise of progressive movements and the ongoing quest for democratic unity.
Keywords
Liberia, MOJA, SUSUKUU, Tubman, Tolbert, democratization, civil society, political activism, rural poverty, opposition unity, social justice, labor rights, electoral politics, human development, revolutionary struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the work "In The Cause Of The People"?
The book serves as a collection of political writings and speeches that chronicle the author's involvement in the struggle for democratic reform in Liberia, starting from the early 1970s.
What are the key thematic areas addressed in the text?
The core themes include the impact of authoritarian rule, the mobilization of grassroots organizations like MOJA and SUSUKUU, the plight of rural populations, and the necessity of opposition unity to challenge systemic corruption.
What is the central research question or objective of the author?
The author seeks to analyze the historical development of the Liberian struggle for freedom and articulate a vision for a more just, equitable, and united democratic nation.
What methodology is reflected in the writing?
The text employs an autobiographical and historical analysis method, drawing on the author's direct experience as an activist, former diplomat, and student of political economy.
What specific issues are covered in the introduction?
The introduction covers the political transition after President Tubman's death, the rise of the Tolbert regime, the formation of progressive organizations, the impact of civil war, and the ongoing challenges of economic underdevelopment in Liberia.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The work is characterized by keywords such as Liberia, democratic struggle, political mobilization, opposition unity, social justice, and systemic reform.
How does the author characterize the role of the Liberian army in the 1980 coup?
The author identifies the rank and file of the army as the true power behind the 1980 coup, driven by their background as poverty-stricken, rural, and neglected citizens seeking an end to exploitation.
What is the author's perspective on the current political state of Liberia?
The author expresses frustration with continued economic underdevelopment and suggests that achieving victory in national elections requires the absolute unity of all opposition parties.
- Citar trabajo
- Dr. Dr. Ikechukwu Aloysius Orjinta (Autor), David Darko (Autor), 2011, Interdisciplinary Academic Essays - Humanities, Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/166400
