The formation of post-colonial states in Africa, and the Middle East gave birth to prolonged separatist wars. Exploring the evolution of these separatist wars, Yaniv Voller examines the strategies that both governments and insurgents employed, how these strategies were shaped by the previous struggle against European colonialism and the practices and roles that emerged in the subsequent period, which moulded the identities, aims and strategies of post-colonial governments and separatist rebels. Based on a wealth of primary sources, Voller focuses on two post-colonial separatist wars; In Iraqi Kurdistan, between Kurdish separatists and the government in Baghdad, and Southern Sudan, between black African insurgents and the government in Khartoum. By providing an account of both conflicts, he offers a new understanding of colonialism, decolonisation and the international politics of the post-colonial world.

‘Illuminating and beautifully written, this book thoroughly recasts our understanding of how the legacies of armed struggles for liberation from colonial domination shape struggles for self-determination closer to our time. Voller shows how these anti-colonial rebellions created a reservoir of methods, practices and justifications that leaders of separatist movements in Sudan and Iraq embraced in their own campaigns against domination. Second-Generation Liberation Wars shows how the idea of liberation from colonial rule endures among contemporary separatists and shapes their struggles. Ultimately, Voller challenges many conventional understandings of the relationship between international politics, past and present, and armed rebellion.'

William Reno - Northwestern University

‘By examining two case studies, Iraqi Kurdistan and Southern Sudan, the book contributes a new perspective on the topic of succession and separatist conflicts. With its extensive research, it is an important addition to the literature of post-colonial wars.’

Joseph Sassoon - Georgetown University