A Nation Struggling To Identify Itself Cote d'Ivoire As A Neopatrimonial State
Abstract
As Africa moved out from the shadows of colonial rule, the continent suffered from numerous conflicts to varying degrees as it struggled to define and govern itself. Over the years many theories and models have emerged to analyze the different reasons for the types of conflicts occurring. One of these frameworks is that of a neopatrimonial system of governance. In and of itself neopatrimonial governance does not cause conflict but as it starts to breakdown and deteriorate, as these systems are prone to do because of their high degree of marginalization, then the likelihood of conflict increases. This is pointed out by Paul Williams when he states, The risks were especially acute when neopatrimonial systems experienced a crisis which the ruling authorities were unable to contain. Such crises tended to occur when external resources (financial or political) dried up, when outrageous behavior tested the limits of the systems legitimacy, or when other factors developed that made armed rebellion feasible for marginalized segments of the population.1 This paper will show how the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire ignited in 2002 as a result of the breakdown of the neopatrimonial state.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- AD1022076
Entities
People
- Brent M. Nestor
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College