The Security Arena in Africa: Local Order-Making in the Central African Republic, Somaliland, and South Sudan

The Security Arena in Africa provides a bottom-up perspective on peace and security in conflict-affected countries,gaining valuable accounts from the people whose security is at stake to explore complex security dynamics and reveal how security is created and undermined.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The labels "fragility" and "civil war" suggest that security within several African countries has broken down. However, as Tim Glawion observes, while people do experience insecurity in some parts of conflict-affected countries, in other areas, they live in relative security. Conducting in-depth field research between 2014 and 2018, The Security Arena in Africa is based on first-hand insights into South Sudan and the Central African Republic during their ongoing civil wars, and Somalia's breakaway state of Somaliland. Gaining valuable accounts from the people whose security is at stake, this bottom-up perspective on discussions of peace and security tells vivid stories from the field to explore complex security dynamics, making theoretical insights translatable to real-world experiences and revealing how security is created and undermined in these fragile states.

Introduction:
The labels "fragility" and "civil war" suggest that security within several African countries has broken down. However, as Tim Glawion observes, while people do experience insecurity in some parts of conflict-affected countries, in other areas, they live in relative security. Conducting in-depth field research between 2014 and 2018, The Security Arena in Africa is based on first-hand insights into South Sudan and the Central African Republic during their ongoing civil wars, and Somalia's breakaway state of Somaliland. Gaining valuable accounts from the people whose security is at stake, this bottom-up perspective on discussions of peace and security tells vivid stories from the field to explore complex security dynamics, making theoretical insights translatable to real-world experiences and revealing how security is created and undermined in these fragile states.

Fragility and Civil War:
The concept of "fragility" in the context of African security refers to the vulnerability of states and societies to internal and external shocks, such as political instability, economic crises, and natural disasters. This fragility can lead to social unrest, political violence, and the collapse of state institutions, making it difficult for people to access basic services and live in safety. In many African countries, civil wars have been a major source of insecurity, with armed groups fighting for control of territory, resources, and power. These wars often result in widespread displacement, human rights abuses, and economic destruction, further exacerbating the fragility of the affected regions.

Relative Security in Conflict-Affected Countries:
Despite the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of insecurity in Africa, it is important to note that not all areas of conflict-affected countries are experiencing the same level of violence. In some regions, people may live in relative security, despite the presence of conflict. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the presence of effective government institutions, the presence of peacekeeping forces, or the presence of local initiatives to promote stability and peace. For example, in parts of South Sudan and the Central African Republic, where civil wars have been ongoing for several years, there have been efforts to establish peace agreements, promote reconciliation, and rebuild state institutions. These efforts have led to some improvements in security, allowing people to access basic services and live in relative safety.

The Security Arena in Africa:
The Security Arena in Africa is a book that seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of security dynamics in the region. The book is based on in-depth field research conducted by the author between 2014 and 2018. The research focuses on South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Somaliland, three countries that have been particularly affected by civil wars and other forms of insecurity. The book provides a bottom-up perspective on discussions of peace and security, gaining valuable accounts from the people whose security is at stake.

Vivid Stories from the Field:
The Security Arena in Africa tells vivid stories from the field, providing a firsthand account of the experiences of people living in conflict-affected countries. The stories are based on interviews with a wide range of individuals, including government officials, military personnel, civilians, and victims of violence. The stories shed light on the complex security dynamics that shape these countries, including the role of armed groups, the influence of foreign actors, and the impact of economic and social factors on security.

Complex Security Dynamics:
The book explores complex security dynamics, including the role of armed groups, the influence of foreign actors, and the impact of economic and social factors on security. The author argues that security is not just a matter of military power but also of social and economic development. Armed groups, for example, can play a significant role in shaping security dynamics, but they can also be a source of instability and violence. Foreign actors, such as the United Nations, the African Union, and regional organizations, can also play a role in promoting peace and security, but they can also be influenced by political interests and power dynamics.

Theoretical Insights Translatable to Real-World Experiences:
The Security Arena in Africa provides theoretical insights that are translatable to real-world experiences. The book argues that security is not just a matter of military power but also of social and economic development. Armed groups, for example, can be influenced by economic incentives, such as access to resources and markets. Foreign actors, such as the United Nations, can be influenced by political interests and power dynamics. The book also highlights the importance of local initiatives to promote stability and peace, such as community-based peacebuilding programs and initiatives to address social and economic inequality.

Revealing How Security is Created and Undermined:
The Security Arena in Africa reveals how security is created and undermined in fragile states. The book argues that security is not just a matter of military power but also of social and economic development. Armed groups, for example, can be influenced by economic incentives, such as access to resources and markets. Foreign actors, such as the United Nations, can be influenced by political interests and power dynamics. The book also highlights the importance of local initiatives to promote stability and peace, such as community-based peacebuilding programs and initiatives to address social and economic inequality.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, The Security Arena in Africa provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of security dynamics in the region. The book provides a bottom-up perspective on discussions of peace and security, gaining valuable accounts from the people whose security is at stake. The book explores complex security dynamics, including the role of armed groups, the influence of foreign actors, and the impact of economic and social factors on security. The book provides theoretical insights that are translatable to real-world experiences and reveals how security is created and undermined in fragile states. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the security challenges facing Africa and the potential for promoting peace and stability in the region.

Weight: 374g
ISBN-13: 9781108737005
Edition number: New ed