When Things Fell Apart

State Failure in Late-Century Africa

By Robert H. Bates | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

In the later decades of the twentieth century, Africa plunged into political chaos. States failed, governments became predators, and citizens took up arms. In When Things Fell Apart, Robert H. Bates advances an exploration of state failure in Africa. In so doing, he not only plumbs the depths of the continent's late-century tragedy, but also the logic of political order, and the foundations of the state. This book covers a wide range of territory by drawing on materials from Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, and Congo. Written to be accessible to the general reader, it is nonetheless a must-read for scholars and policymakers concerned with conflict and state failure.


Editions of When Things Fell Apart

Paperback
ISBN 9781107569805

Read an Excerpt

In the later decades of the twentieth century, Africa plunged into political chaos. States failed, governments became predators, and citizens took up arms. In When Things Fell Apart, Robert H. Bates advances an exploration of state failure in Africa. In so doing, he not only plumbs the depths of the continent's late-century tragedy, but also the logic of political order, and the foundations of the state. This book covers a wide range of territory by drawing on materials from Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, and Congo. Written to be accessible to the general reader, it is nonetheless a must-read for scholars and policymakers concerned with conflict and state failure.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is When Things Fell Apart about?

In the later decades of the twentieth century, Africa plunged into political chaos. States failed, governments became predators, and citizens took up arms. In When Things Fell Apart, Robert H. Bates advances an exploration of state failure in Africa. In so doing, he not only plumbs the depths of the continent's late-century tragedy, but also the logic of political order, and the foundations of the state. This book covers a wide range of territory by drawing on materials from Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, and Congo. Written to be accessible to the general reader, it is nonetheless a must-read for scholars and policymakers concerned with conflict and state failure.


What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in When Things Fell Apart?

Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Comparative politics

Where can I read a sample of When Things Fell Apart?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107569805

Is When Things Fell Apart part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Canto Classics

Who is/are the Author/s of the book When Things Fell Apart?

Robert H. Bates

Who is the Publisher of the book When Things Fell Apart?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

When Things Fell Apart is available as paperback(ISBN 9781107569805)