Entanglements of Modernity, Colonialism and Genocide: Burundi and Rwanda in Historical-Sociological Perspective

by Jack Palmer

This book offers a novel sociological examination of the historical trajectories of Burundi and Rwanda. It challenges both the Eurocentric assumptions which have underpinned many sociological theorisations of modernity, and the notion that the processes of modernisation move gradually, if precariously, towards more peaceable forms of cohabitation within and between societies. Addressing these themes at critical historical junctures – precolonial, colonial and postcolonial – the book argues that the recent experiences of extremely violent social conflict in Burundi and Rwanda cannot be seen as an ‘object apart’ from the concerns of sociologists, as it is commonly presented. Instead, these experiences are situated within a specific route to and through modernity, one ‘entangled’ with Western modernity. A contribution to an emerging global historical sociology, Entanglements of Modernity, Colonialism and Genocide will appeal to scholars of sociology and social theory with interests in postcolonialism, historical sociology, multiple modernities and genocide.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2018

Reviews

[Andrew Daniels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Among the worst researched books on Burundi/Rwanda I've read. This one is in the bottom 25% for sure for the author's numerous gaps in his knowledge, poor research and lazy glib assumptions.
I feel like I run into factual and comprehension errors every few pages, from errors in dates, errors in translation from Kinyarwandan.
I can see what the author read, and so it stands out to me what he failed to read.

I read it for research purposes, and I cannot recommend it to anyone but the most determined researchers. There are way better books on Rwanda&Burundi and this one is hugely problematic. Do not read this unless you have read dozens of books on Rwanda & Burundi and you would be able to recite much of their history from memory. Then you would have enough knowledge to read through the errors in this book.