Undoing Coups: The African Union and Post-coup Intervention in Madagascar

The book explores the impact of the African Union's intervention in Madagascar following the 2009 'Malagasy crisis' on the political order, elite power struggle, and broader international order in Africa. It examines how international intervention reconfigured the political landscape, facilitated the power struggle, and prevented more profound political change.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 296 pages
\n Publication date: 17 September 2020
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Since the dawn of independence, numerous African nations have grappled with the persistent phenomenon of coup d'états. Within the African Union (AU), a concerted effort has been made to disrupt this cyclical pattern by officially endorsing an 'anti-coup norm.' This norm mandates the AU to suspend a member state and restore constitutional order in the aftermath of a coup. Supporters of this stance argue that it enhances democratic governance in Africa, while critics contend that it has inadvertently bolstered existing regimes. However, there has been limited scrutiny of the impact of the AU's efforts to restore constitutional order on individual African states.

In this book, Antonia Witt delves into the legacy of the AU's intervention in Madagascar following the 2009 'Malagasy crisis.' This case stands as one of the increasingly relevant yet under-researched instances of non-Western intervention in Africa. Witt examines the ways in which international intervention reconfigured the political landscape in Madagascar, facilitated the power struggle within the Madagascan elite, and impeded more profound political change. Additionally, the book explores the significance of the Madagascan intervention for the broader international order in Africa and the powers attributed to African international actors, such as the AU.

The book begins by providing a historical backdrop of Madagascar, highlighting its unique political and social dynamics. Witt then delves into the events leading up to the 2009 crisis, including the rise of Ravalomanana, the subsequent coup, and the international response. The author analyzes the various interventions by regional and international actors and their impact on Madagascar's political landscape.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of the AU in responding to the crisis. Witt argues that the AU's intervention in Madagascar was driven by a desire to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and good governance. However, the author also points out the limitations of the AU's approach, including its lack of a clear mandate and its dependence on member states' cooperation.

Witt further explores the consequences of the AU's intervention for Madagascar's political order. The author argues that the intervention facilitated the power struggle within the Madagascan elite, leading to the marginalization of opposition groups and the consolidation of Ravalomanana's regime. This, in turn, has had implications for the country's democratic development and the broader regional stability.

The book also considers the broader implications of the Madagascan intervention for the wider international order in Africa. Witt argues that the case highlights the complex dynamics of power and influence in the region and the challenges faced by African international actors in promoting democracy and stability. The author suggests that the AU should reassess its approach to intervention and consider more nuanced and targeted strategies to support democratic transitions and address the root causes of political crises.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of non-Western intervention in Africa. Witt's analysis of the AU's intervention in Madagascar provides a nuanced and critical perspective on the complex dynamics of power and influence in the region. The book highlights the challenges faced by African international actors in promoting democracy and stability and suggests that more nuanced and targeted strategies are needed to address the root causes of political crises. This book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and activists working in the field of international relations and African studies.

\n Weight: 484g\n
Dimension: 146 x 222 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786996831\n \n