Sudan

This insightful book explores the complex crises in Sudan, detailing its descent into chaos and the international response to the humanitarian issues.

Over the past two decades, the situation in Africa’s largest country, Sudan, has progressively deteriorated. The country holds the second position on the Failed States Index, and a war in Darfur has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. President Bashir has been indicted by the International Criminal Court, and a forthcoming referendum on independence for Southern Sudan threatens to split the nation violently apart.

In this fascinating and immensely readable book, Richard Cockett, the Africa editor of the Economist, provides an absorbing account of Sudan’s descent into failure and what some have termed genocide. Through interviews with many key players, he explains how and why Sudan has disintegrated, particularly focusing on the country’s complex relationship with the wider world. Cockett highlights the role of the United States and Britain, who were initially complicit in the Darfur crisis, but also showcases how a diverse coalition of human-rights activists, right-wing Christians, and opponents of slavery succeeded in bringing these issues to prominence in the U.S., ultimately creating a push for change at the highest levels.

Sudan serves not only as a historical account but also as a poignant reminder of the international community's responsibility toward a nation in crisis. Cockett's insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of power, politics, and human rights, making this book essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of modern Sudan and its challenges.