Liberation and Corruption

Why Freedom Movements Fail
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-4473-7588-3
Verlag: Bristol University Press

Buch, Englisch, 272 Seiten, Format (B × H): 140 mm x 216 mm

Why are liberation and independence movements often betrayed when their leaders get into government? This question has haunted Peter Hain for decades.

A lifelong activist and politician, Hain has over 50 years’ experience of battling corruption, from his early days as a freedom fighter against apartheid to his time as a UK Labour MP, cabinet minister, and sitting member of the House of Lords. He offers a gripping exploration of why movements born from the ideals of justice and freedom often succumb to bad governance and corruption once in power. Combining rigorous analysis with well-sourced evidence, this book examines global examples ranging from Africa to Latin America, Russia, the Caribbean, China and India.

With the unique perspective of having navigated both the streets of protest and the corridors of power, Hain reflects on the challenges of staying true to the values of liberation struggles while confronting their disappointing outcomes. Thought-provoking and accessible, this book is an essential read for anyone engaged in the fight for a better world.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Hain, Peter

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Personal Perspective

2. A global phenomenon

3. Latin and South America

4. State and Party

5. Corruption and why it thrives

6. Global North Corruption

7. Poisonous Colonialism

8. Scramble for Africa

9. Zimbabwe Goes Rogue

10. Nefarious global business

11. Corruption under Apartheid

12. Corrupting freedom fighters

13. Lessons from Africa

14. Freedom movements beyond Africa

15. A Luta Continua

Über Autor(innen)

Hain, Peter
Peter Hain was Labour MP for Neath from 1991 to 2015 and held a number of senior posts in Tony Blair and Gordon Brown's governments. After his South African family was forced into exile in 1966, he became a leader of the Anti-Apartheid Movement in Britain, also obtaining degrees at Queen Mary College, London, and Sussex University. Over nearly 50 years in UK politics Hain is known for favouring candour over caution, and plain speaking over political spin. He has published twenty books – including his memoirs Outside In (2012) – pamphlets and media articles, appearing widely on radio and television.

Lord Peter Hain served as MP for Neath (1991-2015) and held senior roles in the UK Labour Government for 12 years, including seven in the Cabinet. A key negotiator of the 2007 Northern Ireland settlement, he also served as Foreign Minister for Africa, the Middle East and Europe, chaired the UN Security Council and brokered international treaties.

He is the author of 27 books, including Back to the Future of Socialism (2015), Mandela: His Essential Life (2018), and the memoir A Pretoria Boy (2021).

Born to South African parents exiled for their anti-apartheid activism, Hain led campaigns against apartheid in his teens, surviving a letter bomb and an attempt to frame him for a bank robbery. Married with two sons and seven grandchildren, he remains a passionate advocate for justice and equality.