This timely volume shows that, despite the global spread of neo-liberal economic ideology, the need remains to understand variations in cultural values and political institutions. Are human rights claims prompted by similar values and aspirations? And even if human rights are universal, what are the consequences of claiming them in different historical, cultural and material realities? How does liberal individualism suit different traditions that value sociability, negotiation and conviviality? The contributors to this book address such questions with original research in a variety of African countries whose diversity compels careful thought about the meaning of universal values such as democracy and rights.