«It is very unusual to find a study that tackles the question of indigenous titling across different macro regions of the world (Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia) as this one does, and even more unusual to find a work that does so with a clear theoretical argument about the drivers of titling. Running against the grain of much work in this area, Altamirano Rayo shows why and how indigenous land titling can happen in concert with state interests (and sometimes at state initiative), and how it can limit indigenous autonomy while reinforcing the advantages and prerogatives of the state. The book is an impressive achievement that will widen policy and theoretical debates on this topic.»

Catherine Boone, London School of Economics

«This book offers a thorough testing of the theory of state control in relation to titling of Indigenous lands. Altamirano Rayo's argument that by granting land titles to Indigenous communities, the authorities curb the internal threat to state sovereignty is significant and has not been studied in such detail previously. Another merit is the extensive and at times very revealing interview material with high-ranking administrators and officials which overall contributes greatly to the depth of the analysis in the book.»

Rauna Kuokkanen, University of Lapland