Noah L Nathan Knihy

This book explores the politics of hinterlands in the developing world, showing that even in peripheral regions where the state appears weakest, it has significant power to transform society. The book challenges classic theories of state-building and provides lessons for policymakers promoting development in some of the world's poorest regions.

Despite the rapid urbanization of African societies, the socio-economic changes associated with urbanization are not having the political effects that many expected. This book contributes to understanding African urbanization, political behavior, and the ability of developing societies to transition away from clientelism.