African Peacekeeping

This book explores the role of African peacekeeping in shaping the continent's contemporary history and politics, going beyond the question of why post-conflict states contribute troops. It demonstrates how peacekeeping has been woven into Africa's national, regional, and international politics, and how this involvement has shaped the continent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This concise and accessible book delves into the intricate tapestry of Africa's contemporary history and politics, offering a unique perspective through the lens of peacekeeping. Rather than solely focusing on peacekeeping in Africa, it explores the broader context of peacekeeping by Africans. By undertaking extensive research across ten countries over a decade, authors Jonathan Fisher and Nina Wilén shed light on how peacekeeping has intricately woven itself into the fabric of Africa's national, regional, and international politics.

Beyond simply examining the rationale behind post-conflict states' contributions of troops to peacekeeping missions, the book goes beyond the surface to unveil the profound implications of this involvement for our understanding of the continent, its history, and its politics. Through meticulous fieldwork conducted across every region of Africa, Fisher and Wilén meticulously unravel the ways in which peacekeeping has shaped contemporary Africa, offering a comprehensive and insightful analysis.

The book begins by tracing the historical roots of African involvement in peacekeeping, highlighting the continent's long history of conflict and the role that peacekeeping has played in mitigating its effects. It explores the various peacekeeping missions that Africa has undertaken, from the early efforts in the 1960s to the more recent interventions in Somalia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

One of the key themes that the book explores is the complex interplay between peacekeeping and African sovereignty. The authors argue that peacekeeping missions have often been used as a tool by external powers to assert their influence and control over African countries. They highlight the cases of Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where peacekeeping interventions were perceived as undermining national sovereignty and exacerbating conflicts.

However, the book also acknowledges the positive contributions that peacekeeping has made to African societies. It highlights the role that peacekeeping has played in promoting stability, protecting human rights, and providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. It emphasizes the importance of African-led peacekeeping missions, which have the potential to foster greater ownership and accountability and promote sustainable peacebuilding.

The book also explores the challenges that African countries face in their involvement in peacekeeping. It discusses the logistical and financial constraints that limit their ability to deploy troops and provide support to peacekeeping missions. It also highlights the political and social complexities that can arise from peacekeeping, such as tensions between host countries and peacekeeping forces, and the potential for peacekeeping missions to exacerbate existing conflicts.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between peacekeeping and Africa's contemporary history and politics. By offering a comprehensive and nuanced analysis, it sheds light on the ways in which peacekeeping has shaped the continent, both positively and negatively. It serves as a timely reminder of the importance of promoting African-led peacekeeping missions, fostering greater accountability, and ensuring that peacekeeping efforts align with the broader goals of sustainable development and human rights.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108713498
Edition number: New ed