Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the performance of successful liberation movements once they have achieved state power. It comprises five sub-themes: general conceptualisation and performance of national liberation movements (NLMs) turned governments; liberation struggles from European colonialism; liberation struggles from white minority rule; liberation struggles from neighbouring countries; and liberation struggles for reform. The book also argues that seizing political power has been the goal of all liberation movements, and that this in practice means seizing state power, even if the state in question is of colonial origin. It also analyses the role and performance of the MPLA government in Angola. The book then examines the arduous liberation struggle in Mozambique led by Frelimo. It then examines the performance of the Partido Africano para a Independência de Guiné-Bissau e Cabo Verde (PAIGC) after achieving power.