This book is the product of an academic effort made by different institutions in the world. It is also one of the most significant steps that UNAM has taken to open spaces for African studies in the institution. It is imperative to study global history from an African perspective, not only because its own history was erased as one of the consequences of European imperialism and colonization during the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century.

The reader will find outstanding contributions regarding Africa authored by academics of different countries and institutions, focused on diaspora, mobility, and transnational dynamics, both inside and outside of the continent. On the other hand, anthropological approaches to Africa in this volume intend to study some cases as the Tuareg rebellion or the pentecostalization of social life in African states like Benin. Finally, another topic that has received much scholar attention in recent years and that plays an ever-greater role around theoretical and political issues concerning African Studies besides decolonization and deconstruction is the task of de-gendering the role of women in both African Studies and African political societies. This book tries to prove the need of deepening our understanding of Africa’s political, social, and cultural problems in order to advance scientific knowledge, not only at UNAM but also at other academic institutions across Mexico, Latin America and, the world.