Analyses political governance in post-genocide Rwanda, focusing on the rise of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). In the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the RPF has employed various means - rigged elections, elimination of opposition parties and civil society, legislation outlawing dissenting opinions, and terrorism - to consolidate its position as the nation's ruling party. Although Rwanda is considered successful for its technocratic governance, societal reforms, and economic development, shows the regime's darker side of human rights abuses, social engineering projects, information management schemes, and retributive justice system.

Mageza-Barthel addresses issues of ‘global governance’ in gender politics through such international frameworks as CEDAW, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as Resolution 1325. These instruments have been brought forth by a transnational women’s movement to benefit women and women’s rights across the globe. This book shows how these gender norms were introduced, adapted and contested locally at a crucial time of the transformation process underway. Concerned with the interplay of domestic and international politics, it also alludes to the unique circumstances in Rwanda that have led to unprecedented levels of women’s political representation.

Mageza-Barthel provides a context sensitive analysis of how Rwanda's women's movement used the United Nations (UN) gender norms in its efforts to insert gender-specific demands in the post-genocide period. The overall goal of these women - and their supporters - has been to further gender equality and equity in Rwanda. This study details which political processes could be engendered. It further illustrates why certain gender norms were adopted and adapted, whereas others were not. The study addresses issues of global governance in gender politics through such international frameworks as CEDAW, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as Resolution 1325. These instruments have been brought forth by a transnational women’s movement to benefit women and women’s rights across the globe. It shows how these gender norms were introduced, adapted and contested locally at a crucial time of the transformation process underway. Concerned with the interplay of domestic and international politics, it also alludes to the unique circumstances in Rwanda that have led to unprecedented levels of women’s political representation. Which tools have been the most significant in women’s mobilisation and how these relate to precedents set within international relations is of interest to a wide community of scholars and policy-makers alike.

This book examines how Rwandan elites within the government, private sector and civil society perceive the nation’s political and economic relationship with the international community. Using testimonies and interviews of Rwandan political, military and economic leaders, and bureaucrats, this book examines the intersubjective beliefs that formulate how Rwanda engages with the international community. The book presents and analyses three primary intersubjective themes: historical and possible future abandonment of Rwanda; implementing an ideology of agaciro to promote self-respect, dignity and self-reliance for state security and economic development; and the belief in the government’s obligation to promote human security for those who identify as ‘Rwandan’. These perceptions help us understand how post-genocide Rwanda engages with the international community in the pursuit of state security, economic development and to prevent a future genocide. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of African politics and international relations as well as the politics of post-genocide states.

In the mid-1990s, civil war and genocide ravaged Rwanda. Since then, the country’s new leadership has undertaken a highly ambitious effort to refashion Rwanda’s politics, economy, and society, and the country’s accomplishments have garnered widespread praise. Remaking Rwanda is the first book to examine Rwanda’s remarkable post-genocide recovery in a comprehensive and critical fashion. By paying close attention to memory politics, human rights, justice, foreign relations, land use, education, and other key social institutions and practices, this volume raises serious concerns about the depth and durability of the country’s reconstruction. Edited by Scott Straus and Lars Waldorf, Remaking Rwanda brings together experienced scholars and human rights professionals to offer a nuanced, historically informed picture of post-genocide Rwanda—one that reveals powerful continuities with the nation’s past and raises profound questions about its future. Best Special Interest Books, selected by the American Association of School Librarians Best Special Interest Books, selected by the Public Library Reviewers

A critical exploration of the steps taken to promote peace, reconciliation and justice in post-genocide Rwanda.