Description
Book SynopsisThe State in Africa is one of the important and compelling texts of comparative politics and historical sociology of the last twenty years. Bayart rejects the assumption of African 'otherness' based on stereotyped images of famine, corruption and civil war.
Trade Review"For anyone who wishes to understand the politics of Africa, there is no better book from which to start."
Professor John Dunn, King’s College, Cambridge "A masterpiece in Africanist literature."
Corruption and Reform
"Every now and then, something comes along which changes the way in which we think about our subject. Such a book is Jean-Francois Bayart's The State in Africa."
African Affairs
"This book should be read by all those (whether scholars or not) who are seriously concerned with understanding post-colonial African politics. Here, at last, is a book which goes beyond facile generalizations and intellectual or cultural prejudice, which respects rather than demeans Africa. The State in Africa is without doubt one of the most challenging books on contemporary Africa to have appeared in the last few years."
International Affairs
Table of ContentsForeword by John Dunn
Notice
Preface to the second English edition (2009)
Preface to the first English edition (1993)
Preface to the original French edition (1989)
Introduction
Part One: The Genesis of the State
Part Two: Scenarios in the Pursuit of Hegemony
Part Three: Political Action
Conclusion: Of Terroirs and Men
Notes Index
