Coups, Rivals, and the Modern State - Why Rural Coalitions Matter in Sub-Saharan Africa

Using extensive research, this book argues that successful African leaders consolidate their rule by developing strategic rural coalitions.

List of contents

Introduction; Part I. Setting the Stage: 1. A new theory of coalition politics; 2. Patterns of rule in Africa; 3. Rural alliances and coup risk: testing the theory; Part II. Forging Coalitions: 4. Alienating rural allies - Kwame Nkrumah 1947-1957; 5. Aligning with regional foes - Félix Houphouët-Boigny 1945-1960; Part III. Consolidating Power: 6. An urban strategy unravels - Kwame Nkrumah 1957-1966; 7. A rural strategy builds a nation - Félix Houphouët-Boigny 1960-1980; Part IV. Reversal of Fortune: 8. Reviving the state - J. J. Rawlings 1979-1999; 9. Losing the periphery - Henri Konan Bédié 1980-1999; 10. Structure not strategy? Examining alternative explanations; Conclusion.

About the author

Beth S. Rabinowitz is Assistant Professor at Rutgers State University of New Jersey. Her research focuses on regime strategies and political stability in sub-Saharan Africa.

Summary

In states with weak institutions and strong ethno-regional challengers, consolidating politically by developing a strategic rural coalition is the necessary first step towards state building, economic development, and democratization. Through demonstrating this, Rabinowitz upends the long-held assumption that African leaders must only cater to urban constituents to secure their rule.

Product details

• Authors: Beth Rabinowitz, Beth (Rutgers University Rabinowitz, Beth S. Rabinowitz, Beth S. (Rutgers University Rabinowitz
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.03.2018
• EAN: 9781108420464
• ISBN: 978-1-108-42046-4
• No. of pages: 320
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Politics; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; POLITICAL SCIENCE / American Government / General, United States of America, USA, Politics and government, Sub-Saharan Africa, Regional, state and other local government, Regional government