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The politics of violence and populism in post-colonial democracy: The role of political society in South Africa

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  • Koelble, Thomas A.

Abstract

This paper argues that current levels of violence and populism in post-colonial spaces such as South Africa are a consequence of a socio-history of violent dispossession, exploitation and impoverishment and is perpetuated by the continuation of the socio-economic and political conditions rooted in that history of exceptional violence, inequality and injustice. A switch in the political system does not reduce violence by itself. The disposition towards violence can only be shifted by a fundamental shift away from the economics and politics of the apartheid era. Since such a shift is unlikely to occur under current conditions, the perpetuation of violence and populist politics are likely to remain key features and consti-tutive elements of post-apartheid democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Koelble, Thomas A., 2018. "The politics of violence and populism in post-colonial democracy: The role of political society in South Africa," Discussion Papers, Research Unit: Democracy and Democratization SP V 2018-102, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wzbdsc:spv2018102
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Levien, 2013. "The Politics of Dispossession," Politics & Society, , vol. 41(3), pages 351-394, September.
    2. Deborah Boucoyannis, 2015. "No Taxation of Elites, No Representation," Politics & Society, , vol. 43(3), pages 303-332, September.
    3. Vivek Swaroop Sharma, 2015. "Kinship, Property, and Authority," Politics & Society, , vol. 43(2), pages 151-180, June.
    4. Marcel Paret, 2015. "Violence and democracy in South Africa's community protests," Review of African Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(143), pages 107-123, March.
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