APC3701
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
,APC3701
Assignment 2 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 2025
The Politics of Southern Africa Selected Article: Cooper, I. 2017. Dominant party
cohesion in comparative perspective: evidence from South Africa and Namibia.
Democratization, 24(1): 1-19.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13510347.2015.1099631
a) Provide a short overview of the article you have read.
In his 2017 article, Ian Cooper compares the internal unity of two long-standing ruling
parties: the ANC in South Africa and SWAPO in Namibia. Although both countries
operate under democratic systems, these parties have remained in power since the end
of colonial rule. The article investigates how each party maintains discipline, prevents
internal conflict, and sustains loyalty among members. Through case studies and
interviews, Cooper shows that internal cohesion is influenced more by political history
and leadership practices than by formal rules alone. He also challenges the idea that
dominant party systems automatically lead to authoritarianism, highlighting how strong
internal unity can still exist within a democratic framework.
, internal unity can co-exist with democratic institutions — though not without potential
risks.
b) What are the main themes that underlie the article?
Several major themes emerge in this article:
1. Dominant Party Rule in Electoral Democracies:
Cooper focuses on how dominant parties (those that win repeated elections over
long periods) operate within democratic systems, particularly in Southern Africa.
He highlights the tension between democratic pluralism and one-party
dominance.
2. Party Cohesion and Elite Management:
A key theme is the importance of internal party discipline and elite coordination.
The study examines how party elites in the ANC and SWAPO keep members
aligned with party policies, often relying on informal practices and personal
networks rather than formal democratic mechanisms.
3. The Role of History and Liberation Struggle Legacy:
Both the ANC and SWAPO emerged from liberation struggles. This shared
historical background contributes to a sense of loyalty and unity within the party,
which enhances cohesion. Cooper explores how this legacy still shapes party
identity and discipline decades later.
4. Informal Power Structures:
While formal party rules exist, much of the real decision-making takes place
informally. The article highlights how power operates behind the scenes —
through patronage, informal networks, and elite consensus — rather than just
through official institutions.
5. Implications for Democracy:
Lastly, the article raises concerns about how such strong party unity can limit
genuine debate, reduce internal democracy, and restrict the space for opposition
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
,APC3701
Assignment 2 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 2025
The Politics of Southern Africa Selected Article: Cooper, I. 2017. Dominant party
cohesion in comparative perspective: evidence from South Africa and Namibia.
Democratization, 24(1): 1-19.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13510347.2015.1099631
a) Provide a short overview of the article you have read.
In his 2017 article, Ian Cooper compares the internal unity of two long-standing ruling
parties: the ANC in South Africa and SWAPO in Namibia. Although both countries
operate under democratic systems, these parties have remained in power since the end
of colonial rule. The article investigates how each party maintains discipline, prevents
internal conflict, and sustains loyalty among members. Through case studies and
interviews, Cooper shows that internal cohesion is influenced more by political history
and leadership practices than by formal rules alone. He also challenges the idea that
dominant party systems automatically lead to authoritarianism, highlighting how strong
internal unity can still exist within a democratic framework.
, internal unity can co-exist with democratic institutions — though not without potential
risks.
b) What are the main themes that underlie the article?
Several major themes emerge in this article:
1. Dominant Party Rule in Electoral Democracies:
Cooper focuses on how dominant parties (those that win repeated elections over
long periods) operate within democratic systems, particularly in Southern Africa.
He highlights the tension between democratic pluralism and one-party
dominance.
2. Party Cohesion and Elite Management:
A key theme is the importance of internal party discipline and elite coordination.
The study examines how party elites in the ANC and SWAPO keep members
aligned with party policies, often relying on informal practices and personal
networks rather than formal democratic mechanisms.
3. The Role of History and Liberation Struggle Legacy:
Both the ANC and SWAPO emerged from liberation struggles. This shared
historical background contributes to a sense of loyalty and unity within the party,
which enhances cohesion. Cooper explores how this legacy still shapes party
identity and discipline decades later.
4. Informal Power Structures:
While formal party rules exist, much of the real decision-making takes place
informally. The article highlights how power operates behind the scenes —
through patronage, informal networks, and elite consensus — rather than just
through official institutions.
5. Implications for Democracy:
Lastly, the article raises concerns about how such strong party unity can limit
genuine debate, reduce internal democracy, and restrict the space for opposition
