Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our distinguished guest today is Professor Wamba dia Wamba, who is a historian and who is serving as a senator in the transitional senate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is also vice president of the Senate Permanent Commission on Legal and Administrative Matters.

1. Background ... mission schools ... lineage and Christian values ... coming of age in struggle for independence ... ABAKO ... entering politics ... Daniel Kanza ... education in U.S.
2. The Recent History of the Congo ... Belgian colony ... independence and Patrice Lumumba ... Cold War and Mobutu ... missed opportunities for institution-building
3. Consolidating a Modern Democratic State ... creating conditions for democracy ... new constitution ... traditional Congolese ideas supporting democracy ... ensuring equity in foreign partnerships
4. Charting the Congo's Future ... moving from an economy of conquest ... modern statecraft vs. needs of post-colonial societies ... international support ... civic education ... overcoming warfare and factionalism ... Lusaka Accord ... desire for unity ... rebuilding infrastructure ... people-to-people relationships

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