This book analyzes the role of the state since independence, examining the reasons for civil war, economic collapse, fall of civilian government, . imposition of martial law, & suspension of constitution. He emphasised: 1) political relations between rural communities & state; 2) politicization of cultural & ethnic differences; 3) the state's part in the competition among classes, religious groups, etc.

Part 1 : The imperial state -- Part 2 : The independent state.