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Global Nollywood: the transnational dimensions of an African video film industry

rich African economies into the global political economy’ (141) and a general failure by African governments to turn surging oil proceeds into sustainable development. Taylor argues that whereas the agency of African states in the ‘new scramble’ for resources should not be discounted, the mismanagement and predatory behaviour of local elites has been largely facilitated by external actors – both new emerging powers (China’s reputation for doing business with pariah regimes) and the West (for example, the US dealings with Equatorial Guinea which is routinely described as a criminal state). This grants the African petro-states international legitimacy despite their internal conditions and creates the phenomenon which one analyst has termed the ‘successful failed state’ (Soares de Oliveira 2007). To conclude, Taylor’s book is highly readable andmuch welcomed, not only for international relations students but also for other readers looking for a more in-depth, but at the same time concise and clear, overview of global politics with Africa at the centre. There are important concluding points to consider too. Firstly, Taylor emphasises that the legacies of the cold war are not all dead. Archaic structures and norms still inform the Africa-related policies of big powers today. While the West’s orientation towards Africa is gradually changing, driven partly by the growing engagement of China and India, old habits die hard. Partial reform syndrome and façade changes are the norm, as is a great deal of inertia. In general, the gap between reality and rhetoric is yawning and behind-the-scenes politics often undermine official reforms, many of which are tailored for public consumption only. In any case, the reinvigorated interest Africa is currently witnessing may produce different effects. While the global setting is surely important, much depends upon African agency.