Inherent and Contemporary Challenges to African Security

verfasst von: Dr. Manu Lekunze

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : New Security Challenges

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This book presents a unique, comprehensive yet accessible look at security in Africa. The author provides a comprehensive review of the key security issues in Africa and offers a contemporary investigation into what security in Africa will mean for the future of Security Studies. It focuses on contemporary yet inherent security challenges facing the continent. It engages with International Relation theories, security literature and primary data from Cameroon (related to other African case studies), to situate African Security Studies in International Relations and develop a concept of security for African Security Studies. It will be essential reading for students, analysts and policy makers specializing in International Relations, Sociology, African Studies and Development Studies.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

The introduction to this book gives a brief background to security in general and security in Africa in particular. The introduction captures key literature in African Security Studies. It further provides a brief but comprehensive context to contemporary African security. In doing so, it makes the argument that most African states exist in a turbulent neighbourhood. In other words, issues emanating from one country quickly become contagious within a specific region. The contagious nature of insecurity in Africa renders the continent particularly vulnerable to war. It is from this context that the inherent and contemporary challenges to African security are analysed in the entire book.

Manu Lekunze

Chapter 2. African Security Studies in International Relations

Abstract

This book starts with a discussion on the status of the African state in International Relations. This is because the state is the central unit of analysis for International Relations. While the African state and African governance have been discussed widely in African Studies literature, its discussion in International Relations is limited. In many cases, International Relations theorists have brushed it aside, arguing that states do not quite exist outside of the OECD. Building on Clapham (Africa and the International System: The Politics of State Survival. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996) and Buzan (People, States and Fear: An Agenda for Security Analysis in the Post-Cold War Era. London: Wheatsheaf, 1991), this chapter addresses issues of the African states in International Relations. It also explores International Relations theories as they apply to the arguments (African security) in this book. This chapter serves as the foundation for the analysis in subsequent chapters.

Manu Lekunze

Chapter 3. What Is Security? An African Security Perspective

Abstract

As indicated above, essential to any security study are the three questions, what is security, security for whom and what constitutes a security issue. In effect, this chapter uses existing literature to situate the understanding of security in the African context. It also answers the question of security for whom by suggesting the adoption of different referents for security at different levels. However, it is argued that security levels are interdependent. Empirical evidence from Cameroon is used to exemplify the complexity and contested nature of the concept of security. The subsequent chapters then focus on the third security question, which addresses inherent security challenges.

Manu Lekunze

Chapter 4. Multiple Layers of Individual and Group Identities

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the societal sources of security threat such as identity. It is argued that African states are state-nations with a diverse population which have multi-layered identities. While national identities have been consolidating in most parts of Africa, what this book refers to as umbrella ethnic group identities have also been growing. These identities allow for political entrepreneurship and hatreds, which may result in conflict with national security consequences. Examples of such conflicts are elicited to emphasise the problem. It concludes that identity politics have inherent security challenges which will continue to affect Africa.

Manu Lekunze

Chapter 5. Contested Governments and Governance Modes

Abstract

This chapter argues that the form of African governments is significantly contested. The totalitarian nature of governance of many pre-colonial polities and the link of governance structures to traditions and ethnicity continues to challenge peace and stability in Africa. It also argues that the evolutionary inability to change leaders remains a potent security threat to most African states.

In summary, the problem of democracy (how to gain power) and the problem of governance (how to exercise power). The ability to always split in the time of conflict in pre-colonial political development has left African traditions without indigenous inter-group conflict management and resolution methods and experiences. This must not be confused with legendary traditional intra-group (person to person) conflict resolution mechanisms.

Manu Lekunze

Chapter 6. The Political Economy of Africa and Its Security Implications

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the political economy (actual competition over resources, on an individual and group level). It investigates the economic resources available to African states against the need. It is argued that for various reasons, the resources and opportunity to pursue and meet needs are not available for many Africans. With the scarcity of resources, competition is thus a natural progression, and it is fierce. Where cooperation fails, violence becomes an option, hence the high levels of civil conflict. This competition allows for ethnic manipulations, as discussed in Chap. 3. The damages caused by competition for resources further exacerbate the problems of governance addressed in Chap. 4.

Manu Lekunze

Chapter 7. The Environment of Security in Africa: A Threat Multiplier

Abstract

This chapter presents the environment as not limited only to the physical environment. It is argued that the environment of security includes the physical environment, the social environment, the institutional frameworks at the state and international levels and the geopolitical framework of global politics. It is further contended that different conditions of the environment of security (climate change, environmental degradation, global warming, melting glaciers, the anarchical international system, national and international institutional frameworks) have the potential to exacerbate the societal, economic and political issues discussed in Chaps. 3, 4 and 5. In effect, the environment of security is not a primary security issue but acts either as a ‘threat multiplier’ (malign environment) or a ‘threat inhibitor’ (a benign environment). This explores the security environment of Africa to make conclusions on its specific character.

Manu Lekunze

Chapter 8. Conclusion

Abstract

The conclusion of the book brings together the threats discussed in isolation in the preceding chapters to argue that security does not happen in a vacuum. It is contended that security is an emergent product or property of a complex adaptive system. In effect, the national security of each African state is a function of the security system in which it resides. It is surmised that almost every African country finds itself in a turbulent neighbourhood. Irrespective of how good a single state may be at managing its national security, it is still exposed to events happening in neighbouring countries which are beyond their jurisdiction or control. The cases of the Boko Haram and the Central African Republic rebels in Cameroon highlight such an argument.

Manu Lekunze

Backmatter

Titel: Inherent and Contemporary Challenges to African Security
verfasst von: Dr. Manu Lekunze
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-26925-8
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-26924-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26925-8