Modern Rwanda
A Political History
Published on 21. November 2024
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-1-009-28447-9 (ISBN)
Description
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 duree 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.
Reviews / Votes
'For four decades Filip Reyntjens has provided essential, insightful analyses of Rwandan political culture. This indispensable book adds crucial new perspectives: one cannot understand the frailty of the structures behind Rwanda's aura of strength today, without understanding the intrigue and authoritarian practices that have marked Rwandan political culture for two centuries - at the royal court, under colonial power, and in presidential overreach.' David Newbury, Smith College 'Reyntjens' Modern Rwanda is essential reading for those interested in the politics of violence in Rwanda and beyond. Through analysis of both critical junctures and the longue duree, Reyntjens guides the reader through key political issues: state-building, ethnicity, the changing nature of patron-client relationships, and militarisation as governance.' Susan Thomson, Colgate University 'As a preeminent observer of pre- and post-genocide Rwanda, Reyntjens offers an exhaustive and detailed foray into the major political continuities and critical junctures the country has known. Covering 150 years of Rwandan political history, the book is carefully built on the author's extensive knowledge of Rwanda and its scholarship, and the wealth of archival material and grey literature he has brought together over the course of his career. This longue duree look at Rwanda is essential reading for those seeking to delve into the country's complex history and the debates it has given rise to.' Marie-Eve Desrosiers, University of OttawaMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
482 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-28447-9 (9781009284479)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
11/2024
Cambridge University Press
€33.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
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).
Content
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.