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Analysis of the political history of Zambia through a study of Michael Sata. It shows the interaction between party politics and populism since the 1950s, the nature and competitiveness of electoral politics in single or dominant party regimes, and the importance of individual political leadership to the success of opposition parties in Africa.
Javier Milei in Argentina, Donald Trump in the United States, Giorgia Meloni in Italy, Narendra Modi in India, Julius Malema in South Africa - populist leaders are thriving in party politics across the world. Structural changes like the globalisation of the economy, rising inequality, and increased voter detachment from traditional parties have given rise to distinct social grievances on which the populist leader feeds. But how does such a leader emerge? This book uses the study of Michael Sata, former president of Zambia and one of the most intriguing political figures of modern African history, to provide insight into the origins and personality of the populist. It argues that three factors - the structural, the economic and, importantly, the personal - are needed to understand when and how populism develops.
Based on exclusive interviews with Sata, as well as with his friends, allies, opponents, and journalists, and on newspapers, archives, personal correspondence, and participant observation, Sata's election to the Zambian presidency in 2011 is explained as the culmination of a political journey spanning the late colonial period (1953-1964), the years of one-party rule (1973-1991), and the era of multiparty democracy (since 1991). The book explores the nature and style of his political strategy, the grievances that he articulated and played on, the constituencies he targeted and mobilised, the policy appeals around which he rallied support, and the language with which he expressed those appeals. At the same time, it uses the prism of Sata's political life to examine the growth of populism in Zambia and its practice in party politics since the 1950s. As well as providing new insights into the long shadow of late colonialism on the country's contemporary politics, this book illustrates the evolution of political ideas and populist strategies.
Javier Milei in Argentina, Donald Trump in the United States, Giorgia Meloni in Italy, Narendra Modi in India, Julius Malema in South Africa - populist leaders are thriving in party politics across the world. Structural changes like the globalisation of the economy, rising inequality, and increased voter detachment from traditional parties have given rise to distinct social grievances on which the populist leader feeds. But how does such a leader emerge? This book uses the study of Michael Sata, former president of Zambia and one of the most intriguing political figures of modern African history, to provide insight into the origins and personality of the populist. It argues that three factors - the structural, the economic and, importantly, the personal - are needed to understand when and how populism develops.
Based on exclusive interviews with Sata, as well as with his friends, allies, opponents, and journalists, and on newspapers, archives, personal correspondence, and participant observation, Sata's election to the Zambian presidency in 2011 is explained as the culmination of a political journey spanning the late colonial period (1953-1964), the years of one-party rule (1973-1991), and the era of multiparty democracy (since 1991). The book explores the nature and style of his political strategy, the grievances that he articulated and played on, the constituencies he targeted and mobilised, the policy appeals around which he rallied support, and the language with which he expressed those appeals. At the same time, it uses the prism of Sata's political life to examine the growth of populism in Zambia and its practice in party politics since the 1950s. As well as providing new insights into the long shadow of late colonialism on the country's contemporary politics, this book illustrates the evolution of political ideas and populist strategies.
Price: $29.99
Pages: 246
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: James Currey
Publication Date:
17 November 2026
Trim Size: 9.21 X 6.14 in
ISBN: 9781847013965
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
It is an irony of populism that despite its inherently anti-elitist message, it spotlights the very elites who wield its tools. Sishuwa expertly weaves together an account of the rise of Michael Sata, from his first job with the colonial police through many self-re-inventions to the highest office in the land, with the waxing and waning fortunes of the Zambian political economy. In so doing, he speaks to the value of political biography, done right: Clear-eyed about Sata's many shortcomings, Sishuwa nonetheless avoids the shallow caricatures so often applied to African politicians, demonstrating also Sata's acute political instincts, including his talent for articulating the concerns of ordinary Zambians. Sishuwa challenges us to consider the importance of individual leaders and how a context-embedded approach to such elites provides new ways of understanding mass politics.
List of illustrations
Preface
List of abbreviations
Map of Zambia
Introduction
1. Becoming Bemba and 'A Man of Action'
2. Mobilising urbanites in the one-party state
3. Constructing a power base in a dominant ruling party
4. Building an alternative political force
5. Winning the prize
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Preface
List of abbreviations
Map of Zambia
Introduction
1. Becoming Bemba and 'A Man of Action'
2. Mobilising urbanites in the one-party state
3. Constructing a power base in a dominant ruling party
4. Building an alternative political force
5. Winning the prize
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index