This dissertation on American imperialism toward Côte d’Ivoire challenges mainstream theories in International Relations. It argues that in order to understand imperialism, we must understand the ontology of the power at work and of states mediating the global capitalism and the historical context. Following Robert Cox’s and Alejandro Colás’ works, it suggests broadening our comprehension by reconnecting imperialism to empire. The framework reveals that imperialism is not just naked brigandage, nor selfish expansion of culture or power. The thesis argues an imperial market security politics historically engaged into the restoration of the modern sovereignty of failed states and regulation of their regime, economy and culture. Through a historical study of the American case in Côte d’Ivoire, the dissertation finds that its dominion of the structures of security, knowledge and market makes the United States of America an empire attuned to the postcolonie era with authority to dictate the rules of the game. It also finds that Côte d’Ivoire is a failed state. American led-globalization runs up against the colonial pact which makes France the owner. Subverting modern capitalism, contestations against the democratic transition regime and France supporting the statu quo ante crush down into civil war and the disruption of Côte d’Ivoire’s sovereignty in an age of terror. The United States' Government implements Peace and security, Investing in People, Governing Justly and Democratically and People-to-People. It also dictates the agenda to restore Côte d’Ivoire’s sovereignty: electoral legitimacy of rulers and constitutional breakthrough. These global programs and agenda spread out in Côte d’Ivoire, public goods historically fostered by empires: the condition of stability, legitimate authority, and sense of belonging.

This dissertation on American imperialism toward Côte d’Ivoire challenges mainstream theories in International Relations. It argues that in order to understand imperialism, we must understand the ontology of the power at work and of states mediating the global capitalism and the historical context. Following Robert Cox’s and Alejandro Colás’ works, it suggests broadening our comprehension by reconnecting imperialism to empire. The framework reveals that imperialism is not just naked brigandage, nor selfish expansion of culture or power. The thesis argues an imperial market security politics historically engaged into the restoration of the modern sovereignty of failed states and regulation of their regime, economy and culture. Through a historical study of the American case in Côte d’Ivoire, the dissertation finds that its dominion of the structures of security, knowledge and market makes the United States of America an empire attuned to the postcolonie era with authority to dictate the rules of the game. It also finds that Côte d’Ivoire is a failed state. American led-globalization runs up against the colonial pact which makes France the owner. Subverting modern capitalism, contestations against the democratic transition regime and France supporting the statu quo ante crush down into civil war and the disruption of Côte d’Ivoire’s sovereignty in an age of terror. The United States' Government implements Peace and security, Investing in People, Governing Justly and Democratically and People-to-People. It also dictates the agenda to restore Côte d’Ivoire’s sovereignty: electoral legitimacy of rulers and constitutional breakthrough. These global programs and agenda spread out in Côte d’Ivoire, public goods historically fostered by empires: the condition of stability, legitimate authority, and sense of belonging.