Technology, tradition and the state in Africa (1st)

Originally published in 1971 this book argues that certain aspects of traditional African social systems have been misunderstood because of a failure to appreciate what is implied by important differences between the technologies of the major traditional African states and those of Europe and Asia.

Differences in the modes of agricultural production were connected with differences in other aspects of the social system such as the relations between subjects and chiefs.

This means that comparisons with the feudal systems of Western Europe or the monarchies of Asiatic states have definite limitations.

Differences in technology not only affected not only the means of production but also of destruction.

The importance of differential access to the means of domination is stressed as a critical factor in African political systems.