This accessible text for undergraduate and graduate students is not intended as a primer on economic development theory, but rather as a survey of basic facts, major players and institutions, and trends in contemporary African development over the past 50 years, especially the early years of the 21st century. Moss, director of the Emerging Africa Project at the Center for Global Development, encourages readers to think critically and ask informed questions, but does not attempt to supply answers to Africa's development challenges. The first part of the book offers context on Africa's development, covering the legacy of colonialism, patronage politics, civil war, and democratization. The second part considers core development questions, such as the politics of economic reform, the international aid system, debt burdens, and HIV/AIDS. Part 3 discusses the African Union and regional institutions, Africa and world trade, and private investment and the business environment. This second edition, current through 2010, offers new material on topics such as Chinese investment, the African Development Bank, and the recent global financial crisis. Moss teaches at the Public Policy Institute of Georgetown University. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)