24. Niger coup, Ecowas idiocy, and Left military vanguardism

In this episode, we try to think through the unfolding regional crisis brought about by the (latest) coup in Niger. What do we know about the coup so far? Why is Ecowas beating the drums of war? Should these recent coups give us hope for the future of popular sovereignty and socialism in West Africa?

Some readings:

Alex Thurston on domestic dynamics of the coup in Niger: ⁠https://sahelblog.wordpress.com/2023/08/03/thoughts-on-nigers-coup-at-the-domestic-level-proximate-triggers-structural-causes-and-some-ramifications/⁠

The Military as Revolutionary Vanguard: A Critique

Bjorn Beckman: https://www.jstor.org/stable/4005818