Contesting the Nigerian State: Civil Society and the Contradictions of Self-Organization

Okome, M.

In public choice theory, the received wisdom has long been that self-organization is an impediment to collective action, whether via the tragedy of the commons or a Hobbesian scenario in which self-interest produces social conflict rather than cooperation. Yet as this fascinating collection shows, self-organization and state-society relations have been much more complicated in the context of contemporary Nigerian politics. Given the absence or unwillingness of the Nigerian state to provide essential services, entire communities have had to band together to repair roads, build health centers, and maintain public utilities, all from levies. The successes, failures, and ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian society provide valuable insights into the state's capacity, its relationship with civil society, and the social, economic, and political well-being of its citizens.

Details

Published by: Palgrave Macmillan

Publication Date: 2013-07-03

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9781349458981

DOI: 10.1057/9781137324535

Dimensions: 216cm x140cm

Pages: 259