Nigeria the United Statesamprsquo most important strategic partner in West Africa is in grave trouble. While Nigerians often claim they are masters of dancing on the brink without falling off the disastrous administration of President Goodluck Jonathan the radical Islamic insurrection Boko Haram and escalating violence in the delta and the north may finally provide the impetus that pushes it into the abyss of state failure. In this thoroughly updated edition John Campbellexplores Nigeriaamprsquos postcolonial history and presents a nuanced explanation of the events and conditions that have carried this complex dynamic and very troubled giant to the edge. Central to his analysis are the oil wealth endemic corruption and elite competition that have undermined Nigeriaamprsquos nascent democratic institutions and alienated an increasingly impoverished population. However state failure is not inevitable nor is it in the interest of the United States. Campbell provides concrete new policy options that would not only allow the United States to help Nigeria avoid state failure but also to play a positive role in Nigeriaamprsquos political social and economic development.