Introduction

Images of Africa in the West have depicted the continent in the throes of great political instability and economic stagnation or decline. State institutions and the exercise of state power are important for a number of reasons. First, there is the general role of the state in providing the conditions for capitalist development through the rule of law and protection of property relations. Second, state institutions play a role in the creation of social order, mediating conflicting interests and providing a basis for the exercise of political authority and capital accumulation. Patron-client ties provide much of the social fabric for informal and party politics in Nigeria. Patronage flows along personal networks based on kinship, marriage, community, ethnic associations, old school ties, social clubs, and religious affiliations. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.