John Rapley

CaPRI Newsroom

The Dons of Kingston

Summary: Jamaica is not a modern nation-state but a neo-medieval one; rather than ruling directly, Jamaica's politicians have allowed latter-day barons -- bondholders and gang leaders -- to take over.

CaPRI Newsroom

Jamaica Failing, or yet to succeed?

Is Jamaica a failing state? Or is it merely a state that has yet to succeed? I have been thinking a lot about this question lately. Obviously, the week's shattering events have focused my mind. But I have also been writing a book on a topic I have elsewhere called the new medievalism. And one could not have asked for a more graphic example of the new medievalism than the spectacle of gang leaders - the international press even calls them barons now...