Warfare in Independent Africa

This book surveys the history of armed conflict in Africa in the period since decolonization and independence.

William Reno (Author)

9780521850452, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 June 2011

294 pages, 10 b/w illus. 5 maps 1 table
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.54 kg

“In this encyclopedic vade mecum of African rebel movements, ranging from anticolonial and majority-rule insurgents to reformist challengers, from ethno-regional warlords to parochial rebels, the author helps piece together a remarkably comprehensive picture of the dynamics of warfare in the continent. No one interested in keeping track of the convulsions that have swept across Africa can afford to ignore this important contribution.” – Rene Lemarchand, Professor Emeritus, University of Florida

This book surveys the history of armed conflict in Africa in the period since decolonization and independence. The number of post-independence conflicts in Africa has been considerable, and this book introduces to readers a comprehensive analysis of their causes and character. Tracing the evolution of warfare from anti-colonial and anti-apartheid campaigns to complex conflicts in which factionalized armies, militias and rebel groups fight with each other and prey upon non-combatants, it allows the readers a new perspective to understand violence on the continent. The book is written to appeal not only to students of history and African politics, but also to experts in the policy community, the military and humanitarian agencies.

1. The evolution of warfare
2. Anti-colonial rebels
3. Majority rule rebels
4. Reform rebels
5. Warlord rebels
6. Parochial rebels
Conclusion: the past and future of warfare in Africa.

Subject Areas: 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], African history [HBJH]