Nigeria and the Nation-State

Nigeria matters. It is Africa's largest economy, and it is projected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050, but its democratic aspirations are challenged by rising insecurity. John Campbell traces the fractured colonial history and contemporary ethnic conflicts and political corruption that define Nigeria today. It was notand never had beena nation-state like those of Europe. It is still not quite a nation because Nigerians are not yet united by language, religion, culture, or a common national story. It is not quite a state because the government is weak and getting weaker, beset by Islamist terrorism, insurrection, intercommunal violence, and a countrywide crime wave.This deeply knowledgeable book is an antidote to those who would make the mistakes of Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraqmistakes based on misunderstandingin Nigeria. Up to now, such mistakes have largely been avoided, but Nigeria will soonand Campbell argues already doesrequire much greater attention by the West.