Identity, Diversity and Constitutionalism in Africa

In an innovative and stimulating new book, Identity, Diversity and Constitutionalism in Africa (USIP Press 2009), author, Francis Deng outlines a new relationship between governments and societies - a relationship informed by Western concepts but based on traditional African values such as respect for human dignity, equality, and self-rule.

Francis Deng, a distinguished scholar and world-renowned diplomat, interweaves legal and cultural anthropology, constitutional law, political science, and a practitioner's pragmatism as he dissects current dilemmas and devises feasible solutions. At the heart of the volume are two key concepts: constitutionalism as an evolving system of laws, norms, practices, and institutions; and self-determination as both an expression of identity and a tool for conflict prevention and resolution. These two ideas, argues Deng, can help Africans resolve the tension between ethnic diversity and national identity.

Please join us for a panel discussion with the author and knowledgable experts on the issues explored in this eloquent and timely book.

Speakers

• Francis M. Deng
  UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide
  1987–1989 and 2002–2003 USIP Jennings Randolph Senior Fellow
• Pauline Baker
  President, The Fund for Peace
• John Harbeson
  Professorial Lecturer, Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies
  Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University
  1998–1999 USIP Jennings Randolph Senior Fellow
• David Tolbert
  Jennings Randolph Senior Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace
• Virginia Bouvier, Moderator
  Senior Program Officer, U.S. Institute of Peace