This book examines the international factors such as enforced democracy and globalization that have affected the Great Lakes region of Africa. The horrendous consequences in terms of violence and human suffering of the events in this area have been exhibited in the media, however news coverage after 1994 was at times unreliable. This book takes a look at life since then, adopting an independent, and on occasion controversial perspective.

Filip Reyntjens's new book analyzes political governance in post-genocide Rwanda and focuses on the rise of the authoritarian Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). In the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the RPF has employed various means rigged elections, elimination of opposition parties and civil society, legislation outlawing dissenting opinions, and terrorism to consolidate power and perpetuate its position as the nation's ruling party. Although many international observers have hailed Rwanda as a success story for its technocratic governance, societal reforms, and economic development,...

Filip Reyntjens's book analyzes political governance in post-genocide Rwanda and focuses on the rise of the authoritarian Rwandan Patriotic Front.

There is a shocking aspect of Africa's foreign aid that is almost entirely ignored: since 2013, almost half of Africa's top aid recipients have been ruled by authoritarian one-party states. Many international donors such as USAID, DFID, the World Bank, and the European Commission have watched their aid policies becoming increasingly entangled with the agendas of governmental elites. The situation prompts an uncomfortable question: to what extent are foreign aid programs now actually perpetuating authoritarian rule in Africa?

Aid and Authoritarianism in Africa sheds...