Paper short abstract:

This paper clarifies the role of a transborder 'trust network' in the (trans)formation of political order in the absence of an overarching state authority; the case study is a group of commercial entrepreneurs in Butembo, in the DR Congo (1999-2003).

Paper long abstract:

Recent analysis in crises such as Somalia and the DRC suggests the possibility of new 'orders' to emerge from apparantly chaotic and anarchic circumstances of state collapse. During such situations, novel forms of domination may emerge around the renegotiation of political and economic accountability and control - although not necessarily via the central state. This paper seeks to clarify the role of commercial entrepreneurs in the (trans)formation of political order absent of an overarching state authority. The setting is a small border town during the process of political 'transition' in the DR Congo (1999-2003).