Informal Empire.
“Informal empire” may be loosely defined as the exercise of controlling influence by one group or polity over another, without an associated claim to political sovereignty or “ownership.” Of course, by the very nature of its informality, informal empire is a slippery concept. Scholars have argued, and continue to argue, about its origins, shape, and relationship to more formalized imperialism. There have, furthermore, existed a wide variety of informal empires within Africa, varying in shape, scope, and duration. Despite the challenges of defining and describing informal empire, however, the subject remains particularly relevant in a period when formal imperial relationships have largely been severed.... ...
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