This book examines the necessary political-economic conditions for successful state-building in Africa, developing a contractualist framework that redefines the role of the state and reconfigures the relationship between individuals and state institutions.

It bridges the divide between contractarian (liberal) theory and practice by offering case-based insights into the challenges of applying liberal principles in diverse cultural settings in the post-colonial world. Cases on Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Somaliland help illustrate why and how states should prioritize economic freedom and liberal governmentality to enact contractualist transitions. It argues that stable, organic states in Africa can only emerge through institutions that facilitate and codify free, voluntary transactions among autonomous individuals.

This book will be of key interest to scholars and students of African Studies, Political Economy, Comparative Politics, and Development Studies.

Kaleb Demerew is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Hope College and non-resident scholar at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Governance and Markets, USA.