Juan Obarrio is assistant professor of anthropology at Johns Hopkins University.

"This anthropological study, spiced by a philosophical touch, magnificently explores local appropriations of a national law reform in the turmoil of the post-Cold War moment. The revival of customary law, deeply affected by socialism but now in a neoliberal context, produces hybrids that help people to steer their lives through great uncertainties. A challenging study that opens up new perspectives for understanding the 'structural adjustment state' and its uneasy compromises with rapidly evolving customary practices." (Peter Geschiere, author of Witchcraft, Intimacy, and Trust)"

Juan Obarrio is assistant professor of anthropology at Johns Hopkins University.

"This anthropological study, spiced by a philosophical touch, magnificently explores local appropriations of a national law reform in the turmoil of the post-Cold War moment. The revival of customary law, deeply affected by socialism but now in a neoliberal context, produces hybrids that help people to steer their lives through great uncertainties. A challenging study that opens up new perspectives for understanding the 'structural adjustment state' and its uneasy compromises with rapidly evolving customary practices." (Peter Geschiere, author of Witchcraft, Intimacy, and Trust)"

Juan Obarrio is assistant professor of anthropology at Johns Hopkins University.

"This anthropological study, spiced by a philosophical touch, magnificently explores local appropriations of a national law reform in the turmoil of the post-Cold War moment. The revival of customary law, deeply affected by socialism but now in a neoliberal context, produces hybrids that help people to steer their lives through great uncertainties. A challenging study that opens up new perspectives for understanding the 'structural adjustment state' and its uneasy compromises with rapidly evolving customary practices." (Peter Geschiere, author of Witchcraft, Intimacy, and Trust)"