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
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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.

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