External Comparisons

Abstract

Abstract To account for the differences between Zimbabwe and Liberia that could have led to divergences in their ability to consolidate power, the final empirical chapter analyzes these two cases alongside conflicts in Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, Burundi, and Rwanda. Angola's War for Independence began with similar motivations, ideology, time period, regional context, and political institutions as Zimbabwe. The narrative traces how the conflict unfolded and explain why Angola's post-independence politics resembled the state failure in Liberia. Côte d'Ivoire is similarly selected as a case with pre-war similarities to Liberia but, owing to differences in wartime processes, the victor's post-war trajectory enjoyed a relatively quick path to consolidating power. Finally, the chapter investigates a paired examination of the Burundi and Rwanda cases—neighboring states with similar ethnic cleavages and histories, but diverged in their post-war experiences. Together, these four cases provide evidence that wartime control is a strong predictor of post-war power consolidation following rebel victory.