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81. Lessons Learned from Peace Operations in Africa

Author:
Paul D. Williams
Publication Date:
03-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
There have been 40 peace operations deployed to 14 African states since 2000. To be successful, peace operations must be part of an effective political strategy and peace process, not a substitute for them. Policymakers need to move beyond a preoccupation with the number of personnel deployed for each mission and focus on what capabilities are needed to generate the desired political effects. Maintaining legitimacy is a crucial part of achieving success.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, International Affairs, Military Strategy, Peacekeeping, and Military Affairs
Political Geography:
Africa

82. Cocaine and Instability in Africa: Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean

Author:
Davin O'Regan
Publication Date:
07-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
The dollar value of cocaine trafficked through West Africa has risen rapidly and surpassed all other illicit commodities smuggled in the subregion. Experience from Latin America and the Caribbean demonstrates that cocaine traffic contributes to dra¬matically higher levels of violence and instability. Co-opting key government officials is the preferred modus operandi of Latin American cocaine traf¬fickers. African governments need to act urgently to protect the integrity of their counternarcotics institutions to prevent this threat from developing deeper roots on the continent.
Topic:
Crime and Narcotics Trafficking
Political Geography:
Africa, Latin America, and Caribbean

83. Africa's Fragile States: Empowering Extremists, Exporting Terrorism

Author:
Zachary Devlin-Foltz
Publication Date:
08-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
Africa's fragile states create political and security environments that enhance the leverage of Islamist extremists in their ongoing struggle with moderates for influence. Countering extremism in Africa, therefore, cannot be separated from building stronger, more legitimate states. Robust state security operations can neutralize extremists in the short term. However, they are an insufficient long-term counterextremism strategy unless coupled with opportunities for moderates to engage in the political process. In fragile states, maintaining moderate Islamist support for the state should be a central stabilization objective.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Terrorism, and Fragile/Failed State
Political Geography:
Africa and Washington

84. Navies versus Coast Guards: Defining the Roles of African Maritime Security Forces

Author:
Augustus Vogel
Publication Date:
12-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
Maritime security challenges in Africa are growing rapidly and represent an increasingly central component of the threat matrix facing the continent. African states struggle to meet these threats because their maritime security structures are misaligned with the challenges posed. Redressing this misalignment will require valuing the coast guard capacity demanded by these threats and constructing the array of intragovernmental partnerships needed to be effective in combating these threats.
Topic:
International Cooperation, International Affairs, and Military Affairs
Political Geography:
Africa

85. U.S. Security Engagement in Africa

Author:
William M. Bellamy
Publication Date:
06-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
Despite significant recent gains, Africa's security environment remains fragile with a wide array of ongoing and emerging threats placing great strains on already overburdened governments. United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa have realized some success in recent years, especially when they have involved direct support from members of the Security Council. Much more cohesive interagency coordination under strong White House direction is required if the United States is to contribute to Africa's sustained stability given the region's persistent conditions of poverty, inequality, and weak governance.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Security, International Security, International Affairs, and Military Strategy
Political Geography:
Africa and United Nations