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.

About the Author

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.

Reviews

"As a student anti-apartheid campaigner long ago, I find this an uncomfortable but important book." Jon Snow, broadcaster

"Peter Hain has always used his own freedom as a means of working for the liberation of others. Now he provides this well-researched, piercing exposure of how, why and where decadent corruption has betrayed emancipation." Rt Hon. the Lord Kinnock

"Honest and credible about both the successes and the failings of liberation leaders." Mavuso Msimang, Deputy President of ANC Veterans and former ANC MK Underground Commander

"Compellingly tracks corruption prevalent in liberation governments back to their colonial origins." Tara O'Connor, Director of Africa Risk Consulting

"Towering from an indefatigable fighter against apartheid and corruption." John Battersby, South African journalist

"Hain shows that we need to invert colonially-rooted stereotypes about ubiquitous global corruption. Reproducing centuries-old power relations and systems of forceful extraction, the bulk of ill-gotten gains in Africa and elsewhere still flow almost inevitably to accounts in the global north." Professor Andre Odendaal, historian and Vice Chancellor's writer in residence, University of the Western Cape

"An essential reminder of how corruption pervades boundaries and the imperatives of maintaining scrutiny whoever is at the helm of government." Piers Pigou, Head of the Southern Africa Programme, Institute for Security Studies and former investigator for South Africa's Truth Commission

Book Information
ISBN 9781447375876
Author Peter Hain
Format Hardback
Page Count 312
Imprint Policy Press
Publisher Bristol University Press