The Congo crisis, which was at the center of world attention from 1960-65, has slipped into international obscurity since. But the crisis has persisted nonetheless. This collection is a timely reminder of this critical zone in the heart of Africa. The fire next time may be even hotter than the last. The authors provide us with an essential guide to analysis and action.
-Immanuel Wallerstein, Director, Fernand Braudel Center for the study of Economics, Historical Systems, and Civilizations

This is an important book. Major theories of African development are examined through case study of the long-term political and economic crisis in Zaire. What is unusual is that the analysts are both Zairians and Westerners and represent a variety of scholarly disciplines. The results are rewarding both for understanding Zaire and for stimulating new approaches to research on African development.
-Stephen R. Weissman, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Africa Congress of the United States

NZONGOLA-NTALAJA, the editor, is Associate Professor of African Studies at Howard University, and Executive Director of the Center for Research in Zaire. He is the author of Class Struggles and National Liberation in Africa and the co-editor of Proletarianization and Class Struggles in Africa