State–building and National Militaries in Postcolonial West Africa – Decolonizing the Means of Coercion 1958–1974: Western Africa Series

1. Introduction Peaceful decolonisation and the Cold War Armed Forces and State Building: The Development of National Militaries in West Africa Sources and Methodology Objectives and Structure of the book 2. Autonomy: Foreign Assistance and African Decision-making Pros and Cons of Neutralism: The Reliance of Guinea and Mali on the Soviet Union Life Insurance: French Relations with the Presidents of Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal Surviving on Leftovers: Building National Militaries with Limited Resources French know-how and strategic minerals: Nigerien defense decisions Conclusion 3. Sovereignty: Strategies to Control Populations and Territories Coopting States: Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal Coercive States: Guinea and Mali Centralized States: Niger and Upper Volta Conclusion 4. Legitimacy and Colonial Legacies: The Use of Force and Institutions of Coercion Blood Tax: West African Soldiers in the French Army From 'Mercenaries' to People's Armed Force: Military Building in Guinea Relying on France: Continuity in Colonial Structures in Côte d'Ivoire A Reverence for Warriors: The Postcolonial Importance of Soldiers in Upper Volta Conclusion 5. Governance: Control and Command of the Armed Forces A Revolutionary Army Eats Itself: The Soviet Model in Guinea and Mali Economic Liberalism v. Multiparty Democracy: Ivorian and Senegalese Decision-making Nigerien and Voltaic Soldiers: Guardians of the Treasury? Conclusion 6. Conclusion: Legacies of Control