New Books in Political Science Charles G. Thomas, "Ujamaa's Army: The Creation and Evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force, 1964-1979" (Ohio UP, 2024)
Jan 8, 2026
Dr. Charles G. Thomas, a Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, dives into the evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force in his new book, Ujamaa's Army. He shares insights into Tanzania's unique postcolonial military development compared to other African nations. The discussion highlights the military's initial low priority, the impact of regional instability, and how international partnerships, especially with China, shaped the force. Thomas also reveals surprising aspects of special forces training and offers a glimpse into his future work on the Uganda-Tanzania War.
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Deliberate Reconstruction Over Rebranding
- Tanzania's decolonization of its military began as an intentional teardown of the colonial force rather than a simple renaming.
- Julius Nyerere convened remaining loyal officers to redesign the military to fit nation-building goals.
Military Was Low On The Early Agenda
- The new government initially deprioritized the military, assuming police and international guarantees would suffice.
- Neglect left the Tanganyika Rifles under-resourced and dependent on remaining British leadership until 1963.
Military As Foreign Policy Instrument
- Regional crises like the Congo convinced Nyerere the military was a needed foreign-policy tool, not just internal security.
- Tanzania then founded liberation committees and hosted anti-colonial movements, tying military expansion to regional aims.
