APRESENTAçãO FINAL

What can explain subnational variation in the extent to which the effects of indirect rule persist on the African continent? To explain this variation, I propose a multi- dimensional theory of indirect rule which suggests that indirect rule is a local–level phenomenon, there is a gap between the theory of indirect rule, written by the British empire, and its manifestations on the ground, and that there is variation in the enforce- ment of indirect rule policies within states. I argue that the enforcement of indirect rule policies is conditioned on local administrative units’ ability to hinder the goals of indirect and on the dynamics of the principal–agent relationship between the colonial government and chief. Where administrative units were able to hinder the goals of the dual mandate and where the chief was not an effective agent– failed to prevent disturbances– and the colonial government had to intervene, the enforcement of in- direct rule policies is greater which leads to variation in persistence. I propose three channels of persistence. The effect of variation in enforcement has persisted through its effects on the salience of ethnic identity, patron–client networks, and economic growth. To test these channels of persistence, I propose using a geographic regression discontinuity design and an instrumental variables approach. By exploiting plausibly exogenous variation in the enforcement of indirect rule policies I may be able to explain subnational variation in the persistence of indirect rule’s effects in former colonies.