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The Logic of the Coup Civil War Trap: A Must-Read for Understanding Political Instability and Conflict

Isaac Bell

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Published in Ethnic Politics And State Power In Africa: The Logic Of The Coup Civil War Trap

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In their groundbreaking book, The Logic of the Coup Civil War Trap, Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt provide a comprehensive analysis of the political dynamics that lead to coups and civil wars. Drawing on a wealth of historical data, they argue that these events are not simply the result of random violence or economic hardship, but rather the predictable outcome of a specific set of political conditions.

Ethnic Politics and State Power in Africa: The Logic of the Coup-Civil War Trap

by Maria Lewytzkyj

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4939 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	398 pages

The authors identify three main factors that contribute to the risk of a coup or civil war:

Electoral instability: When elections are held regularly and fairly, they provide a peaceful mechanism for transferring power between different political groups. However, when elections are rigged or manipulated, they can create a sense of injustice and frustration that can lead to violence.
Political polarization: When political parties become increasingly divided, it becomes more difficult to find common ground and resolve conflicts peacefully. This polarization can lead to a breakdown of trust and cooperation, and can make it easier for extremist groups to gain support.
Veto players: Veto players are individuals or groups who have the power to block or delay government action. When veto players are too powerful, they can make it impossible to implement policies that address the needs of the people, which can lead to frustration and resentment.

Levitsky and Ziblatt argue that these three factors are not simply additive, but rather interact in a way that creates a self-reinforcing cycle. Electoral instability leads to political polarization, which in turn leads to the emergence of veto players. Veto players then make it more difficult to address the underlying causes of instability, which leads to further polarization and violence.

The Logic of the Coup Civil War Trap is a powerful and timely book that provides essential insights into the causes of political instability and conflict. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding these complex issues.

Praise for The Logic of the Coup Civil War Trap

"A brilliant and timely book that provides essential insights into the causes of political instability and conflict. Levitsky and Ziblatt have written a must-read for anyone interested in understanding these complex issues." - Francis Fukuyama, author of The End of History and the Last Man

"A groundbreaking work that will change the way we think about coups and civil wars. Levitsky and Ziblatt have identified the key factors that contribute to these events, and they provide a powerful and persuasive argument for why they are on the rise." - Fareed Zakaria, author of The Post-American World

"A masterful work of scholarship that provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the causes of political instability and conflict. Levitsky and Ziblatt have written a book that will be essential reading for anyone interested in these issues." - Bruce Gilley, author of The Right to Rule: How States Win and Lose Legitimacy

About the Authors

Steven Levitsky is a professor of government at Harvard University. He is the author of several books, including Transitions to Democracy and How Democracies Die.

Daniel Ziblatt is a professor of government at Harvard University. He is the author of several books, including Conservative Parties and the Birth of Democracies and The Global Crisis of Liberal Democracy.