Black Mischief, Paperback/Evelyn Waugh

When Oxford-educated Emperor Seth succeeds to the throne of the African state of Azania, he has a tough job on his hands. His subjects are ill-informed and unruly, and corruption, double-dealing and bloodshed are rife. With the aid of Minister of Modernization, Basil Seal, Seth plans to introduce his people to the civilized ways of the west.