Contemporary history

Modern socio-political analysis

***While the museum building will close its doors in late 2012 for
renovation, scientific research will continue at Tervuren.***

We carry out socio-political research on the post-colonial period (from 1960 to the present) in central Africa, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

contemphistWe analyse the following subjects in particular:

  • political changes,
  • development,
  • effectiveness of aid ,
  • decentralisation,
  • public administration,
  • environmental governance,
  • relations between the state and society,
  • elections,
  • elites,
  • Belgium’s role in central Africa.

The current research project on ‘the new provinces in DR Congo’ contributes significantly to the interdisciplinary work in the Museum’s sections. Monographs on the 26 new provinces are in the process of publication. They will synthesize many types of data that can be used to manage more effectively decentralization in Congo.

The section’s library, one of the world’s richest on the subject of Congo’s post-independence socio-political evolution, and archives are fundamental sources for scholars interested in this period of the country’s history. We encourage students and researchers to access this priceless heritage via our online catalogue.
 

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