Tyrants and Terrorists: Reflections on the Connection between Totalitarianism, Neo-liberalism, Civil War and the Failure of the State in Iraq and Sudan

Abstract

Failed states that foster warlords and terrorists are now an increasing challenge to state stability across the Middle East. This paper uses the case studies of Iraq and Sudan to show how a neo-liberal policy of dismantling the public sector by an illegitimate regime that combines tribalisation with the arbitrary use of power leads to dramatic weakening of the state and an increase in warlordism.

Notes

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