Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together Again: The Dilemmas of the African Post-Colonial State

32 Pages Posted: 26 Dec 2009

Date Written: 1995

Abstract

This article argues that the African post-colonial state is a normatively and inherently flawed institution that is prone to failure. It examines a number of collapsed states and concludes that new map-making and normative re-orientation of the internal polities may be the only way to salvage more states from failure and to put back together those that have already failed. It concludes that the reconstruction of the African state is a tall order that will require imagination and cooperation.

Keywords: Post-colonialism, humpty dumpty, state collapse, state reconstruction, imperial powers, civil society

Suggested Citation

Mutua, Makau, Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together Again: The Dilemmas of the African Post-Colonial State (1995). Brooklyn Journal of International Law, Vol. 21, 1995, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1526729

Makau Mutua (Contact Author)

SUNY Buffalo Law School ( email )

626 O'Brian Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260-1100
United States
716 645-2311 (Phone)

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