Abstract
Abstract This chapter unpacks and assesses the Rwandan government’s authoritarian image management strategies under the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). As relatively small, and aid dependent for much of the period under analysis, Rwanda under the RPF had special incentives to pay attention to authoritarian image management as the latter entrenched its power domestically. Perhaps for this reason, the RPF has been an unusually successful authoritarian image manager in attaining regime security. After presenting a brief historical background, the chapter establishes how the RPF works to create a foundation on which to build its promotional image management efforts by obstructing outsider critics. Next, it discusses how part of Rwanda’s promotional strategy entails retention of public relations firms to burnish the image of the RPF and its leader Paul Kagame. Finally, the chapter turns to the most brazen element of the RPF’s image management, namely the intimidation and repression of critics abroad.
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