Nigeria Dancing on the Brink - John Campbell
“This lucidly written book will appeal to scholars, policymakers, and general readers. John Campbell explores key political, economic, and social issues and frankly evaluates U.S. policies in helping or inhibiting the building of a stable, democratic, and less corrupt Nigeria. It is essential reading for all concerned about the unfulfilled potential, and uncertain future, of this complex nation.”
—Richard Joseph, Northwestern University
“A fascinating work. With the detail Ambassador Campbell provides based on his Abuja assignment, the book is a lucid and valuable contribution to understanding contemporary Nigeria. Campbell writes with unusual candor, and with his initial academic training as a historian, he brings analytical discipline to his writing. This is much more than a mere memoir.”
—Crawford Young, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Campbell argues that the breakdown of elite consensus, the lingering problems in the Niger-Delta, the crisis in the Middle Belt and the religious extremism that has made the North combustible, are all the key fault lines that could make the result of the forthcoming elections problematic. ...He has captured our stasis in the following words: “Nigeria's top political personalities have largely remained the same since the end of the civil war; they have merely aged in place...” Campbell comes across as one who loves Nigeria and wants her to succeed.
– Fr. Matthew H. Kukah
“Nigeria, the united States’ most important strategic partner in West Africa, is in trouble. While Nigerians often claim they are masters of dancing on the brink without falling off, the recent vacuum in government authority, the upcoming 2011 elections, and escalating violence in the Niger Delta and the north may finally provide the impetus that pushes it into the abyss of state failure.”
John Campbell explores Nigeria’s postcolonial history and presents a nuanced explanation of the events and conditions that have carried this complex, dynamic, and very troubled giant to the edge. Central to his analysis are the oil wealth, endemic corruption, and elite competition that have undermined Nigeria’s nascent democratic institutions and alienated an increasingly impoverished population. State failure would damage the interest of the United States, but it is not inevitable. Campbell suggests concretepolicy options that would allow the United States to help Nigeria avoid state failure and promote political, social, and economic development.