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Originally published in 1963 this provocative book examines the reality behind independence, which sustained so many rebels and revolutionaries in their struggle for their countries' freedom. It finds that in many cases the independence won was not really independence, that national sovereignty brought demagogues to power and ushered in declining living standards besides the treasured seat in the UN. The book analyses the leadership of some of the 20th Century's newly independent countries - leaders such as Gamel Abdel Nasser Hussein (Egypt), Ahmed Sekou Toure (Guinea), Norodom Sihanouk (Cambodia), and Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia) - both agitators and moderates - some of whom were determined to break with the West and those who recognised that progress lay in good relations with the former imperial powers.

The book discusses the shortcomings of economic aid schemes and compares in detail the rival economic plans of 20th century India and China.