Domination Through Law: The Internationalization of Legal Norms in Postcolonial Africa

The book challenges the assumption that rule of law norms and institutions always have positive effects, arguing that they can have negative consequences, particularly in post-colonial societies where they reinforce socioeconomic and political inequality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The book titled "The Dark Side of Rule of Law Promotion: Unearthing the Negative Consequences of Legal Engineering Abroad" has been awarded the 2021 Lee Ann Fujii Book Award by the International Studies Association. It challenges the assumption that rule of law norms and institutions always have positive effects in global governance and international development. Instead, the book argues that purportedly "good" rule of law standards can have negative consequences, particularly in post-colonial societies. The book contends that rule of law promotion in these societies reinforces socioeconomic and political inequality, favoring dominant actors who have the wealth, education, and influence to navigate the state legal system. The argument is supported by an historical account of legal development in settler-colonial environments and a comparative study of the UK-supported justice sector development programs in Sierra Leone and the US-funded rule of law projects in Liberia.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 231 x 153 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538149973