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9781108726467

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'This book provides a powerful analysis of collective land narratives, and connects these narratives to elite and citizen coordination of electoral violence. This insightful and compelling research connects institutional factors that shape land access and security to the construction of narratives, which ultimately reflects on the relationship between democratization, political violence, and post-conflict politics.' Rachel Beatty Riedl, Cornell University, New York 'Why do elections turn violent in some local contexts but not in others? Based on comparisons of communities, interviews, and a novel survey in Kenya, Klaus finds that it is the interplay of contentious land narratives, land inequality and politicians acting as land patrons that allows elites to mobilize citizens for violence – and citizens to follow. With its thorough argument and rich empirical approach, Klaus takes us to a new level of understanding of a phenomenon that plagues democracies around the world.' Ana Arjona, Northwestern University, Illinois 'Klaus tackles a question central to the success of fragile democracies – when will ordinary people use violence during and after elections? Land, as the resource that most shapes identity and economic well-being, is central to her argument. Klaus's multifaceted empirical strategy is impressive. Her extensive qualitative evidence yields unique insights into how people understand land inequality and the process by which conflict escalates. A remarkable contribution to our understanding of electoral violence.' Kimuli Kasara, Columbia University, New York

'This book provides a powerful analysis of collective land narratives, and connects these narratives to elite and citizen coordination of electoral violence. This insightful and compelling research connects institutional factors that shape land access and security to the construction of narratives, which ultimately reflects on the relationship between democratization, political violence, and post-conflict politics.' Rachel Beatty Riedl, Cornell University, New York 'Why do elections turn violent in some local contexts but not in others? Based on comparisons of communities, interviews, and a novel survey in Kenya, Klaus finds that it is the interplay of contentious land narratives, land inequality and politicians acting as land patrons that allows elites to mobilize citizens for violence - and citizens to follow. With its thorough argument and rich empirical approach, Klaus takes us to a new level of understanding of a phenomenon that plagues democracies around the world.' Ana Arjona, Northwestern University, Illinois 'Klaus tackles a question central to the success of fragile democracies - when will ordinary people use violence during and after elections? Land, as the resource that most shapes identity and economic well-being, is central to her argument. Klaus's multifaceted empirical strategy is impressive. Her extensive qualitative evidence yields unique insights into how people understand land inequality and the process by which conflict escalates. A remarkable contribution to our understanding of electoral violence.' Kimuli Kasara, Columbia University, New York

Author Information

Kathleen F. Klaus is Assistant Professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco where she specializes in African politics, political violence, land rights, and forced migration. Her dissertation won the APSA Best Field Work Award in (2016). She has received research funding from the Social Science Research Council, Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, the United States Institute for Peace, and the National Science Foundation, among others.

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