ABSTRACT
The nature of the state and governance are recurring issues in African politics. Since independence in 1847, Liberia has faced the challenges of dual administration: modern state versus traditional authorities. The relationship between them has been characterised by tension or conflict, or complementarity and peaceful coexistence. Both the modern state and traditional authorities have been providers of peace, security and justice. This chapter argues that the Liberian state has always been a hybrid political order, and that even though those involved in peacebuilding have focused on the modern state, the traditional institutions continue to serve as providers of security, peace and justice.
