Mahmood Mamdani is a distinguished scholar whose work critically examines the complex interplay of history, politics, and identity. Through his incisive analyses, he delves into pressing global issues, offering profound insights into the forces shaping contemporary societies. His writings challenge conventional narratives and encourage readers to reconsider established viewpoints on conflict and power. Mamdani's approach is marked by a deep engagement with the socio-political realities of marginalized communities, making his contributions essential for understanding our interconnected world.
Exploring the interplay between nation-states and colonial states, the author argues that the formation of ethnic and religious majorities often stems from the violent suppression of minorities. By examining diverse cases from the United States to Eastern Europe, Israel, and Sudan, Mahmood Mamdani proposes a transformative idea: a state that exists independently of a singular national identity. This radical solution challenges conventional notions of statehood and offers a new perspective on governance and identity.
The book offers a thorough examination of the factors leading to the Rwandan genocide and its aftermath. It delves into the historical, political, and social dynamics that fueled the conflict, analyzing the roles of various actors involved. By exploring the devastating impact on the Rwandan population and the international community's response, the narrative provides a critical understanding of the complexities surrounding this tragic event. The insights aim to foster a deeper awareness of genocide and its lingering effects on society.
When Britain abandoned its attempt to eradicate difference between conqueror
and conquered and introduced a new idea of governance as the definition and
management of difference, lines of political identity were drawn between
settler and native, and between natives according to tribe. Out of this
colonial experience arose a language of pluralism.
Forty years after the 1972 expulsion of Asians from Uganda, this vivid account interweaves gripping personal stories with an examination of Uganda's colonial history, the evolution of post-independence politics and the politicisation of racial identity.
Mamdani beschreibt in diesem fulminanten Buch den politischen und historischen Konflikt in Darfur sowie dessen Instrumentalisierung als PR-Waffe im „Krieg gegen den Terror“. Er demontiert die westliche Kampagnenpolitik der „Save Darfur“-Bewegung, die den Konflikt aus seinem politischen Kontext löst und ihn zum Fixpunkt moralischer Empörung erhebt. Dabei werden grobe Vereinfachungen und offensichtliche Fälschungen verwendet, um die westliche Perspektive unantastbar zu machen, während die arabische Seite dämonisiert und die schwarzafrikanische in eine Opferrolle gedrängt wird. Mamdanis Buch bietet eine spannende Analyse der historischen Wurzeln des Konflikts und beleuchtet die gesamte Sahelzone sowie den nordafrikanischen Kontinent. Themen wie Sklavenhandel, Stammesinteressen, Migrationsströme, Kolonialismus, Islamismus, die ökologische Krise, Unabhängigkeitsbewegungen, der Kalte Krieg, Bürgerkriege und Repressionen werden detailliert untersucht. Er zeigt auf, wie der Westen in den Konflikt involviert ist und ihn für den „Krieg gegen den Terror“ nutzt. Die konsequente Infragestellung der westlichen Perspektive macht die Lektüre zu einem intellektuellen Abenteuer und rückt die politischen Sehgewohnheiten in eine afrikanische Perspektive.
Focusing on the crisis in Darfur, this book delves into the historical context of Sudan, providing a comprehensive analysis of the events leading up to the conflict. It critically examines the global response to the humanitarian disaster, highlighting the complexities of international involvement and the implications for the region. The author offers unique insights that challenge prevailing narratives, making this an essential read for those seeking to understand the intricacies of the situation in Sudan.
Examining how the conflict has drawn in national, regional, and global forces,
this book deconstructs the powerful Western lobby's persistent calls for a
military response dressed up as a 'humanitarian intervention'. It presents an
account of Darfur crisis within a broad context of Sudan's history.
Focusing on market-based reforms at Uganda's Makerere University, this case study examines the implications of neoliberal policies for higher education across Africa. It highlights how Makerere has become a model for transformation, reflecting the challenges faced by public universities in a capital-driven environment. The analysis provides insights into the broader impact of these reforms on educational institutions continent-wide and underscores the tension between public service and market demands in academia.
'Mamdani deckt die Lügen, Stereotypisierungen und leichtfertigen Generalisierungen auf, mit denen die USA ihr Verhalten gegenüber der muslimischen Welt begründen. Bestürzend, aber essentiell.' J. M. Coetzee Der in Uganda geborene Sohn indischer Einwanderer, heute Professor an der Columbia Universität in New York, schreibt über religiösen Fundamentalismus und seine politischen Auswirkungen. Er wendet sich gegen die Vorstellung vom 'clash of civilizations' zwischen dem Islam und dem Westen und schildert, wie die 'Achse des Bösen' aus den von den US-Amerikanern geförderten antikommunistischen Stellvertreterkriegen nach der Niederlage in Vietnam entstand. In diesem Buch – protegiert von Edward Said – zeigt sich Mamdani als leidenschaftlicher Häretiker.
In this brilliant look at the rise of political Islam, the distinguished political scientist and anthropologist Mahmood Mamdani brings his expertise and insight to bear on a question many Americans have been asking since 9/11: how did this happen? Good Muslim, Bad Muslim is a provocative and important book that will profoundly change our understanding both of Islamist politics and the way America is perceived in the world today.
