Publishing Institution: Africa Center for Strategic Studies

Author:: Dominique Djindjéré
Publication Date:: 11-2010
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:: Africa's senior defense and security officials must adopt higher standards of leadership to reshape Africa's security forces into professional bodies capable of handling contemporary security threats and earning the respect of civilian populations. Politicians' adherence to constitutional limits on power will avoid placing military officers in the untenable position of choosing between respecting civilian authority and upholding democracy. Security cooperation and assistance from international partners should favor African states with a track record of responsible governance within the security sector.
Topic:: Security, Defense Policy, and Democratization
Political Geography:: Africa

Author:: Clement Mweyang Aapengnuo
Publication Date:: 04-2010
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:: Ethnicity is typically not the driving force of African conflicts but a lever used by political leaders to mobilize supporters in pursuit of power, wealth, and resources. Recognizing that ethnicity is a tool and not the driver of intergroup conflict should refocus our conflict mitigation efforts to the political triggers of conflict. Ethnic thinking and mobilization generally emerge from inequitable access to power and resources and not from an intrinsic hatred. Over the medium to long term, defusing the potency of ethnicity for political ends requires a systematic civic education strategy that helps build a common national identity, which so many African countries still lack.
Topic:: Conflict Resolution, Political Violence, Ethnic Conflict, Nationalism, and Ethnic Government
Political Geography:: 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

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

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

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

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

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