Syllabus
1) Security in AfricaObjective: to describe the current state of play in Africa- the current flashpoints- Why conflicts arise- role of international organisations (UN, AU…)- role of external players (US, Russia, China, EU, France, NGOs,…)- role of Private Military Companies
2) Disconnected StrategiesObjective: to discuss the development and failure of strategies- the criticality of strategy?- how is a National Security Strategy developed- linkages between strategies and doctrine- why do strategies fail?
3) Case study: civil war AngolaObjective: to present the Cold War related internal conflict- role of ideology- causes of conflict- solutions to conflict
4) Case study: civil war Sierra LeoneObjective: to present role of resources on conflict- origins of conflict- role of natural resources- solutions to the conflict5) Case study: Nigeria and Boko HaramObjective: to present specifics of fighting the jihadist insurgency- Causes of conflict - Specifics of jihadist insurgency- Solutions to the conflict
6) Case Study: The Lord’s Resistance Army- Rise of LRA- The transnationalism of the conflict- The Campaign and impact on Central African Republic, DRC and Sudan- The current situation
7) Case Study: Ansar al-Sunna and MozambiqueObjective: to discuss the rise of militant Islam in Northern Mozambique- The arrival of Islam in East Africa- The impact of colonial borders- The impact of resource discoveries in ungoverned spaces- The attacks- The current situation
8) Case study: Republic of South AfricaObjective: to evaluate a security situation in post-Apartheid RSAa. Evolution of the security environmentb. Biggest challenges and opportunitiesc. From democracy to anarchy (July uprising)d. Possible future development
Annotation
The course covers the development of the African security issues inside the post-Cold War geopolitical framework. Based in practical experience as well as academic credibility, the lectures will provide students with a up-to-date and unique perspective upon the security threats on the African continent. The lecture will cover both theoretical approaches towards the conflicts in Africa and case studies – mainly Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Angola, CAR or Mozambique.
The course will be taught between November 21st to 25th 2022.