'A remarkable and extraordinarily ambitious book. ... It is clearly and attractively written, and makes absorbing reading. ... Represents a significant contribution to knowledge, both in the extraordinary amount of material that the author has unearthed, and in his ability to integrate this material into an original and coherent whole.'
Christopher Clapham, Centre of African Studies, Cambridge University
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'[A] pathbreaking book.'
Michael Watts, African Studies Review 'Soares de Oliveira has written an important study of the impact of oil on the region's politics... [this] study provides a rich political sociology of the oil curse in West Africa.'
Nicolas van de Walle, Foreign Affairs 'This is an intelligent, well-researched, and elegantly written book... it is an excellent contribution both to the study of the African state and to the study of oil politics.'
Pierre Englebert, Political Science Quarterly 'A path-breaking study of an important part of the world. It also represents a sophisticated theoretical statement on the phenomenon of states in which massive corruption and the privatisation of central functions of governance have become routine. [The book] occupies a unique position in the English-language literature. ... Its key strengths are theoretical originality and lucidity.'
Stephen Ellis, University of Leiden 'This volume is the best book written thus far on the political economy of Africa's oil. Anyone remotely interested either in the oil industry in Africa or more broadly the nature of politics on the continent has to read it. The book really is exceptional in its empirical depth, theoretical insights and general eloquence, as well as the honesty that the author reflects in his writing.'
Ian Taylor, The Round Table 'Outstanding ... historically informed and takes structures seriously without falling prey to structural determinism. At the same time, it takes a hard look at the actors involved [...] and the strategies they pursue. The result is a fascinating relationship [...] An excellent book.'
Denis Tull, Journal of Modern African Studies 'An impressive, original and insightful book that makes a very valuable contribution to our understanding of African political economy. It deserves to be read and engaged with widely.'
Marcus Power, Review of African Political Economy Show Less