The Strong ‘Weak State’: French Statebuilding and Military Rule in Mali

Drawing on newly collected empirical data, this article explores the complex long-term political relationship between state and military in Mali. It argues that post-2013 French intervention has lacked an understanding of place within structures. This led to approach statebuilding premised false idea Mali historically been a weak state, with weakness defined terms. challenges provides counterargument rooted historical approach. highlights how focus strengthening inadvertently created conditions for 2020 coup d’état.