Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, The Africa Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University, USA

'Scholars of civil-military relations in Africa are grappling with key issues of democratic governance and the proper role of the military in democratic transitions on the continent. Mathurin Houngnikpo's book brilliantly highlights the contradictions of that process which is engendered by both history and context. This book is a valuable addition to the growing literature in this field, and for many years to come, will become a standard reference for scholars seeking a deeper understanding of civil-military relations in Africa.' Julius E Nyang'oro, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA 'Recent military coups in Niger, Guinea and elsewhere remind us that despite transitions to democracy the armed forces remain key actors in African politics. This interesting book offers a cogent analysis by an African scholar of their continuing influence in the continent and of how they can be brought under greater democratic control.' Robin Luckham, University of Sussex, UK 'Guarding the Guardians is a thoughtful and well-researched book... By raising important questions and offering sensible recommendations, Houngnikpo advances the current civil-military relations literature.' Journal of Modern African Studies 'This well-planned and well-documented book (41 pages of bibliography) can be strongly recommended, not only to military and civilian leaders and civil society organisations, but also researchers and students in the fields of political and military sciences and conflict studies.' African Journal on Conflict Resolution 'The book’s contributors analyse civil-military relations in Africa and thus it is relevant to historians, economists, sociologists, political scientists and students of military affairs as well as those interested in Africa at large. The contributors succeed in their goals, for the book makes it clear that military intervention in Africa under whatever guise is an anti-democratic move.' Political Studies Review

• Introduction; Chapter 1 Conceptual and Theoretical Issues; Chapter 2 Civil-Military Relations in Africa; Chapter 3 Explaining Army Intrusion in African Politics; Chapter 4 The African Military and Modernization; Chapter 5 The Performance of Civilian and Military Regimes; Chapter 6 Towards New Civil-Military Relations in Africa; Chapter 7 Legitimacy and Democratic Oversight of the Security Sector in Africa; Chapter 101 Conclusion;

Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, The Africa Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University, USA

'Scholars of civil-military relations in Africa are grappling with key issues of democratic governance and the proper role of the military in democratic transitions on the continent. Mathurin Houngnikpo's book brilliantly highlights the contradictions of that process which is engendered by both history and context. This book is a valuable addition to the growing literature in this field, and for many years to come, will become a standard reference for scholars seeking a deeper understanding of civil-military relations in Africa.' Julius E Nyang'oro, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA 'Recent military coups in Niger, Guinea and elsewhere remind us that despite transitions to democracy the armed forces remain key actors in African politics. This interesting book offers a cogent analysis by an African scholar of their continuing influence in the continent and of how they can be brought under greater democratic control.' Robin Luckham, University of Sussex, UK 'Guarding the Guardians is a thoughtful and well-researched book... By raising important questions and offering sensible recommendations, Houngnikpo advances the current civil-military relations literature.' Journal of Modern African Studies 'This well-planned and well-documented book (41 pages of bibliography) can be strongly recommended, not only to military and civilian leaders and civil society organisations, but also researchers and students in the fields of political and military sciences and conflict studies.' African Journal on Conflict Resolution 'The book’s contributors analyse civil-military relations in Africa and thus it is relevant to historians, economists, sociologists, political scientists and students of military affairs as well as those interested in Africa at large. The contributors succeed in their goals, for the book makes it clear that military intervention in Africa under whatever guise is an anti-democratic move.' Political Studies Review

• Introduction; Chapter 1 Conceptual and Theoretical Issues; Chapter 2 Civil-Military Relations in Africa; Chapter 3 Explaining Army Intrusion in African Politics; Chapter 4 The African Military and Modernization; Chapter 5 The Performance of Civilian and Military Regimes; Chapter 6 Towards New Civil-Military Relations in Africa; Chapter 7 Legitimacy and Democratic Oversight of the Security Sector in Africa; Chapter 101 Conclusion;

Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, The Africa Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University, USA

'Scholars of civil-military relations in Africa are grappling with key issues of democratic governance and the proper role of the military in democratic transitions on the continent. Mathurin Houngnikpo's book brilliantly highlights the contradictions of that process which is engendered by both history and context. This book is a valuable addition to the growing literature in this field, and for many years to come, will become a standard reference for scholars seeking a deeper understanding of civil-military relations in Africa.' Julius E Nyang'oro, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA 'Recent military coups in Niger, Guinea and elsewhere remind us that despite transitions to democracy the armed forces remain key actors in African politics. This interesting book offers a cogent analysis by an African scholar of their continuing influence in the continent and of how they can be brought under greater democratic control.' Robin Luckham, University of Sussex, UK 'Guarding the Guardians is a thoughtful and well-researched book... By raising important questions and offering sensible recommendations, Houngnikpo advances the current civil-military relations literature.' Journal of Modern African Studies 'This well-planned and well-documented book (41 pages of bibliography) can be strongly recommended, not only to military and civilian leaders and civil society organisations, but also researchers and students in the fields of political and military sciences and conflict studies.' African Journal on Conflict Resolution 'The book’s contributors analyse civil-military relations in Africa and thus it is relevant to historians, economists, sociologists, political scientists and students of military affairs as well as those interested in Africa at large. The contributors succeed in their goals, for the book makes it clear that military intervention in Africa under whatever guise is an anti-democratic move.' Political Studies Review

• Introduction; Chapter 1 Conceptual and Theoretical Issues; Chapter 2 Civil-Military Relations in Africa; Chapter 3 Explaining Army Intrusion in African Politics; Chapter 4 The African Military and Modernization; Chapter 5 The Performance of Civilian and Military Regimes; Chapter 6 Towards New Civil-Military Relations in Africa; Chapter 7 Legitimacy and Democratic Oversight of the Security Sector in Africa; Chapter 101 Conclusion;