Governance and Intervention in Mali: Elusive Security

This book provides a historical and political context for the security interventions in Mali over the past three decades, arguing that external support has ignored the poor governance that is at the heart of the country's crises. It will be of interest to students of intervention and statebuilding, African politics, and International Relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive work delves into the historical and political backdrop that has shaped security interventions in Mali over the past three decades. It provides a rich context for understanding the complex dynamics that have contributed to the country's security challenges.

The book begins by examining the broader context of weak democratic consolidation, unmet development goals, and growing perceptions of widespread corruption in Mali. It situates external military engagement, including interventions by the United States, France, the United Nations, and the G5 Sahel, within this broader framework.

Over the course of the past three decades, Mali has experienced four military coups: the military coup in 1991 that launched the Third Republic; the 2012 coup that toppled elected President Touré; the 2020 coup that overthrew the elected President Keita; and the coup within a coup that ousted transitional President Bah. These coups have had profound implications for the country's political stability and security.

Given the political context, the book explores the relationship between external intervention and insecurity and instability in Mali. It examines how multiple international interventions have interacted with domestic actors and decentralization policies, and how these interactions have influenced the country's security outcomes.

The authors, with their extensive research on Mali, argue that external support has often ignored the root causes of the country's crises. They highlight the need for a more holistic approach that addresses the underlying governance issues and promotes sustainable development.

The book will be of immense interest to students of intervention and statebuilding, African politics, and International Relations in general. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape security interventions in fragile states, and provides a roadmap for addressing the challenges facing Mali and other countries in similar contexts.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032444406