Regime Threats and State Solutions: Bureaucratic Loyalty and Embeddedness in Kenya (Cambridge Studies in Comparative Politics)

The administrative state is a powerful tool because it can control the population and, in moments of crisis, help leaders put down popular threats to their rule. But a state does not act; bureaucrats work through the state to carry out a leader's demands. In turn, leaders attempt to use their authority over the state to manage bureaucrats in a way that induces bureaucratic behavior that furthers their policy and political goals. Focusing on Kenya since independence, Hassan weaves together micro-level personnel data, rich archival records, and interviews to show how the country's different leaders have strategically managed, and in effect weaponized, the public sector. This nuanced analysis shows how even states categorized as weak have proven capable of helping their leader stay in power. With engaging evidence and compelling theory, Regime Threats and State Solutions will interest political scientists and scholars studying authoritarian regimes, African politics, state bureaucracy, and political violence. "The state is a powerful tool for social control because it has the power to help leaders put down popular threats to their rule. But a state does not act; bureaucrats work through the state to carry out a leader's demands. In turn, leaders attempt to use their authority over the state to manage bureaucrats in a way that induces the type of bureaucratic behavior that furthers their policy and political goals. Focusing on Kenya since independence, Hassan weaves together micro-level personnel data, rich archival records, and interview evidence to show how the country's different leaders have strategically managed, and in effect weaponized, the public sector. The analysis shows how even states categorized as weak have proven very capable of helping their leader stay in power"-- Provided by publisher Bringing bureaucrats in -- Managing the State -- The origins of the Kenyan state -- Elite incorporation and the diversity of the State -- The provincial administration under president Kenyatta -- The provincial administration during president Moi's autocratic years -- Moi, the provincial administration, and multi-party elections -- Kibaki and the provincial administration Focusing on Kenya since independence, Hassan shows how leaders politicize the management of state institutions to induce bureaucratic behavior that furthers their political goals. This nuanced analysis will interest political scientists and scholars studying African politics, state bureaucracy, and political violence. Delving Inside The State, Hassan Shows How Leaders Politicize Bureaucrats To Maintain Power, Even After The Introduction Of Multi-party Elections.