This project seeks to analyse the evolution political models in ‘collapsed’ states in Africa (Central, West-Africa and the Horn). It describes, first, how elites and societies are familiarising themselves with a context of growing state absence, and second, how this affects the constitution of political ‘order’. The aim of this comparative exercise is to offer some theoretical and practical insights into what alternative political models are developed in a situation of apparent state collapse, and what strategies can be developed to influence the participants in these evolving political projects.

• Funded by: BOF (Ghent University) (2004-2007)