1. General Introduction

Africa’s peace, conflict, and security landscape is shaped by a complex interplay of historical legacies, socio-political systems, economic disparities, and shifting global dynamics. The Palgrave Handbook on Peace, Conflict, and Security in Africa thoroughly explores these interconnected themes, providing theoretical perspectives and practical analyses. It examines how various actors—states, communities, youth movements, civil society organizations, regional bodies, and international institutions—respond to contemporary challenges and offers new insights into peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and security governance. By centering African perspectives, this book underscores the limitations of dominant Western paradigms and advocates for a decolonized, context-sensitive, and innovative approach to peace, conflict, and security in Africa.