Western perception often shows dissimilarities between Africa and the rest of the world, treating it as an exotic and eccentric region. Africanists generally reinforce this mindset, because in their attempt to analyze and understand the continent, they often define it through its particularities and anomalies, instead of examining its similarities with the societies that history knows better. While Africa is indeed a unique place in many ways, the striking similarities it has with the rest of the world are often overlooked or underestimated. Nothing illustrates this fact more clearly than the perception of African leaders in traditional states. Most emphasize things like their mystical reputation, their unconventional marriage practices, and their barbaric methods of discipline when describing these leaders, and overlook the qualities that resemble those of any leader: their struggle to promote loyalty , inspire faith in their subjects and establish their own legitimacy. Among the many traditional African states, the tactics used to achieve these goals vary considerably. Shaka, famous ruler of Zululand, and the Manikongo, kings of Kongo, are two rulers whose systems of government embody African diversity, while simultaneously illustrating the necessity of loyalty. Shaka achieved absolute allegiance through military emphasis and political centralization to the point of despotism, while the Manikongo maintained their power through economic monopolies, political hierarchies, and mystical position. Yet, ultimately, they both used these tactics to ensure the universal qualities of any leader: loyalty, respect, power, and legitimacy. Shaka created revolutionary military tactics to develop a strong and loyal army that allowed him to be in the middle of paper. .....social and social conditions. However, each ultimately brought loyalty, respect and legitimacy to their sovereign, just like any other system of government in the world. Therefore, in this case, Africa should not be treated as an anomaly, but rather as an indication of the universal truth that humanity demands respect from its leaders, who in turn require loyalty and legitimacy to govern effectively. And perhaps this example will give future Africanists pause by postulating that the striking differences between Africa and the rest of the world may be more superficial than they seem. Works Cited Hilton, Anne. The Kingdom of Kongo. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1985. Print. Omer-Cooper, J.D., “The Zulu Aftermath.” Problems of African history: the precolonial centuries. 3rd ed. Ed. Robert O. Collins. Princeton: Markus Wiener Publishers, 2005. 103-108. Print.