Coups, Rivals, and the Modern State

Why Rural Coalitions Matter in Sub-Saharan Africa

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, History
Cover of the book Coups, Rivals, and the Modern State by Beth S. Rabinowitz, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Beth S. Rabinowitz ISBN: 9781108356077
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: March 1, 2018
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Beth S. Rabinowitz
ISBN: 9781108356077
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: March 1, 2018
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

State development in Africa is risky, even life-threatening. Heads of state must weigh the advantage of promoting political and economic development against the risk of fortifying dangerous political rivals. This book takes a novel approach to the study of neopatrimonial rule by placing security concerns at the center of state-building. Using quantitative evidence from 44 African countries and in-depth case studies of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Rabinowitz demonstrates that the insecurities of the African state make strategically aligning with rural leaders critical to political success. Leaders who cultivate the goodwill of the countryside are better able to endure sporadic urban unrest, subdue political challengers, minimize ethnic and regional discord, and prevent a military uprising. Such regimes are more likely to build infrastructure needed for economic and political development. In so doing, Rabinowitz upends the long-held assumption that African leaders must cater to urban constituents to secure their rule.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

State development in Africa is risky, even life-threatening. Heads of state must weigh the advantage of promoting political and economic development against the risk of fortifying dangerous political rivals. This book takes a novel approach to the study of neopatrimonial rule by placing security concerns at the center of state-building. Using quantitative evidence from 44 African countries and in-depth case studies of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Rabinowitz demonstrates that the insecurities of the African state make strategically aligning with rural leaders critical to political success. Leaders who cultivate the goodwill of the countryside are better able to endure sporadic urban unrest, subdue political challengers, minimize ethnic and regional discord, and prevent a military uprising. Such regimes are more likely to build infrastructure needed for economic and political development. In so doing, Rabinowitz upends the long-held assumption that African leaders must cater to urban constituents to secure their rule.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book Heliophysics: Evolving Solar Activity and the Climates of Space and Earth by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Courts and Terrorism by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Humanity across International Law and Biolaw by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book I Freed Myself by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book The Merry Wives of Windsor by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Charles Dickens in Context by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Mathematical Methods and Models for Economists by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Vicarious Liability in Tort by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Darfur's Sorrow by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book The Cambridge Companion to Atheism by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Prehospital Care of Neurologic Emergencies by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Raising Children by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Musical Witness and Holocaust Representation by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Differential Games in Industrial Economics by Beth S. Rabinowitz
Cover of the book Towards a European Energy Union by Beth S. Rabinowitz
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy