"In 1994, ethnic conflict turned to genocide in Rwanda. When the world finally took notice, a million people lay dead, and the country lay in ruins. Rwanda returned from the brink guided by rulers determined to rebuild on their own terms, rather than those of a previously indifferent international community." "Paul Kagame embodies the new Rwandan political philosophy. Not without flaws and critics, Kagame is key to understanding Rwanda's transition from fear and division to exceptional African statehood." "Paul Kagame's life - from exiled child refugee, to guerrilla warrior and rebel politician, to president of Rwanda - is traced in this exploration of Rwanda's struggle for change. The work invites reassessment of Kagame's leadership in an African context rather than measurement against Western standards, and critiques Western involvement in Rwanda since the early 1990s. Photographs and maps supplement the text, along with a history of Rwanda's Banyarwanda people and a glossary of words in Kinyarwanda. The work includes a bibliography and an index."--Jacket.

Exodus and exile -- Rebel movements -- The invasion of 1990 -- Offensive against genocide -- Rebuilding foreign relations -- Refugee return and the United Nations -- Hot pursuit in the Congo -- Transition and controversy -- From genocide to gacaca: delivering justice in Rwanda -- Consulting the people -- Recovery and reconciliation.