Mobility, territoriality and sovereignty in post-colonial Tanzania

In the first section, the issue of the relationship between nation, state and territory is placed within a more theoretical context, while maintaining a focus on Africa. In the second section, the case of Tanzania is elaborated and this from the post-colonial period onwards, distinguishing the Nyerere and post-Nyerere periods.

Despite the fact that it results in a somewhat partial view and the impression of a rather top-down approach, the focus is centred more upon Tanzanian policy makers, less voice being given to the subjects at whom policy is directed. However, some anecdotal evidence, in the margins of this paper, aims to make clear that all policies are (and are to be considered as) mere possibilities. Their intended outcome is never guaranteed.