Modern Rwanda - A Political History

Rwanda has been the subject of much research following the genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group in 1994. Moving beyond recent histories which examine Rwanda's past predominantly through the lens of this tragic event, Filip Reyntjens utilises a longue durée framework to provide new insights into historical developments over the last hundred and fifty years. Tracking the foundations of modern Rwanda from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, this study offers the first comprehensive examination of both the political continuities and ruptures which have shaped the country. Reyntjens examines the 19th century precolonial polity, colonisation from the end of the 19th century; the revolution of 1959-1961 followed by independence in 1962; and the 1994 genocide followed by the seizure of power by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). Across these periods of dramatic transition this study demonstrates the role of both political constancy and change, allowing readers to reshape their understanding of Rwanda's political history.

List of contents

Introduction; 1. From Old to New Kings; 2. Early Belgian Colonialism; 3. Consolidating Colonial Rule; 4. Revolutionary Change; 5. The 'Hutu Republics'; 6. The Abyss: Political Transition, Civil War, and Genocide; 7. Post-Genocide Political Governance; Conclusion.

About the author

Filip Reyntjens is Professor Emeritus of Law and Politics at the University of Antwerp. He has specialised in the law and politics of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Great Lakes Region, for over forty years. Previous publications include The Great African War: Congo and Regional Geopolitics, 1996–2006 (Cambridge, 2009), Political Governance in Post-Genocide Rwanda (Cambridge, 2013) and Le genocide des Tutsi au Rwanda (2017, 2021).

Summary

This study offers a newly comprehensive political history of modern Rwanda from the mid-nineteenth century. Filip Reyntjens addresses the precolonial and colonial periods, the postcolonial 'Hutu' republics, the 1990s political transition and civil war, the genocide against the Tutsi, and current post-genocide governance.

Product details

• Authors: Filip Reyntjens, Filip (Universiteit Antwerpen Reyntjens, Reyntjens Filip
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.11.2024
• EAN: 9781009284486
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0928448-6
• No. of pages: 224
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / General, 20th Century, POLITICAL SCIENCE / International Relations / General, 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / African, HISTORY / Africa / East, International Relations, 21st Century, c 1800 to c 1900, 21st century history: from c 2000 -, Rwanda, 20th century, c 1900 to c 1999, Political structure & processes, Later 19th century c 1850 to c 1899, c 2000 to c 2010, c 2000 to c 2009, African History, c 2010 to c 2020, c 2010 to c 2019, Political structure and processes, c 2020 to c 2029, African history; Social Sciences