The State in Africa: The Politics of the Belly

“The State in Africa” is the English translation of one of the most important texts in comparative politics of the 1980s. Drawing upon a wide range of literature, the author shatters the myths surrounding African politics based on the images of famine, corruption and civil war. He challenges the existing western perception of Africa based on these theories and argues that we can only begin to understand the dynamics of contemporary African politics by comprehending the long term history of political thought and social action in Africa. The book covers both Anglophone and Francophone Africa. It includes quotation of authentic African voices from the people on the street to African presidents. The English edition includes a preface by Professor John Dunn, University of Cambridge, and a specially written introduction by Bayart. The author, Jean-Francois Bayart, is one of France’s leading political scientists. He is the founder and editor of the journal “Politique Africaine” as well as being the author of many books on African politics. The book is aimed at 3rd year undergraduate and postgraduate students, and academics. It is suitable for those following courses in African politics, Third World politics, development studies, comparative politics and historical sociology.