This edited volume focuses on the development and conflict prevention mechanism of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. The contributors discuss complex socio-political and economic issues and use a cross disciplinary approach to treat most of the dominant research questions in the field. The chapters come nicely together in a kaleidoscope of knowledge deriving from scholarly investigative traditions in political science, anthropology, economics, law, and sociology. The book is conceived as a source of reference and for graduate courses in African politics, development, human rights, transnational law, and international public policy.

Develops research on development and conflict prevention in West Africa Contains contributions from scholars, leaders in civil society, independent peace consultants, social science researchers serving as policy experts, and advisers in major regional organizations Presents a comprehensive overview of development, security, activism, politics, and conflict in West Africa

Autorentext

Okon Akiba is International and Comparative Politics Professor, York University, Toronto, Canada.

Inhalt

1. Chapter 1: Introduction: Preventive Diplomacy in Theory and Practice.- 2. Chapter 2: ECOWAS and Preventive Diplomacy in West Africa.- 3. Chapter 3: Youth Bulge and West Africa: Understanding Dispute Triggers and Conflict Prevention.- 4. Chapter 4: Militant Psyche and Separatism: A Note On the Casamance Conflict and Necessity of Preventive Intervention.- 5. Chapter 5: Women's War-time Struggle for Peace and Security in the Mano River Union.- 6. Chapter 6: Making and Enforcing Peace through Mediation and Fire Power: A Retrospective on the Liberia Experience.- 7. Chapter 7: About God and Violence in West Africa! Can Religious Organisations Foster Peace?.- 8. Chapter 8: Rwanda and North Macedonia: Considering the Nature of Conflict and UN Peacemaking.- 9. Chapter 9: Epilogue: Arbitrariness and Conflict: The Context of Preventive Diplomacy in West Africa.