Since the terrorist attacks on the American homeland on September 11, 2001, fighting the menace has become the frontier issue on the U.S.’ national security agenda. In the case of the African Continent, the United States has, and continues to accord major attention to the West African sub-region. This book : Evaluates where we can place West Africa within the broader crucible of the U.S. war on terrorism Establishes the key elements of the U.S.’ counter-terrorism policy in West Africa? Examines the U.S. counter-terrorism strategies in West Africa, and evaluates if they are being pursued both at the bilateral and multilateral levels in the region Interrogates the relationship between stability in the sub-region and the waging of the U.S.’ war on terrorism. Specifically, the book examines the crises of underdevelopment—cultural, economic, environmental, political, security and social—in the sub-region, especially their impact on shaping the conditions that provide the taproots of terrorism. Clearly, addressing these multidimensional crises of underdevelopment is pivotal to the success of the U.S. war on terrorism in the sub-region. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of terrorism, homeland security, African Studies, conflict management, and political violence.

It has become increasingly important to examine the issue of the fragility of nation states. This issue is relevant to the United States (US) strategic interests as the US continues its fight on the global war on terrorism. In particular, many fragile countries in West Africa have been labeled as either fragile and/or weak states. Weak states are the result of insufficient governance, inadequate infrastructures, corruption, civil war, unprotected borders, and/or tenuous economic structures. The primary intent of this paper is to examine how poor governance is a leading factor in the creation of terrorism in West African countries. Many West African governmental structures are characterized by corrupt neo-patrimonial and/or military regimes. I assert that poor governance is the primary cause for terrorism in West Africa. As weak governments increase in West Africa, the potential for terrorist safe havens to flourish within various regions might also increase. This poses a serious challenge for both West Africa and U.S. national security. Additionally, the roles of the U.S. instruments of national power will be examined. These instruments are crucial because they could serve as a catalyst to effectively produce change within West Africa.

Abject poverty and official corruption make parts of Africa a very attractive destination for terrorist organizations. Opportunities have developed during the pre- and post-9/11 periods in Africa for the recruitment of terrorists, attainment of bases of operations and sources of funding for Al Qaeda or its affiliated terror groups. This comprehensive volume provides an extensive examination of major terrorist events in Africa. It highlights internal and external indices to illustrate why Africa is so ripe for terrorism, ostensibly in terms of recruitment as well as attainment and sources of funding due to the continent's continuing poverty and corruption. The volume will prove indispensable reading for anyone researching security issues, political sociology and African studies.

øSince 9/11, despite extensive international efforts against global terrorism, there has been a misfocussing on the terrorism in Africa. This timely book draws upon the author�s experience as a former intelligence analyst, to give an account of terrori

War and Terrorism in Contemporary Africa investigates how African conflicts fit into both regional and global geopolitical landscapes. The book profiles terrorist organizations, rebel groups, and governments engaged in hostilities within the continent and beyond. War and Terrorism in Contemporary Africa also includes information about how these conflicts affect Africans’ day-to-day lives.

Insurgency, Terrorism, and Counterterrorism in Africa, edited by George Klay Kieh, Jr. and Kelechi A. Kalu, addresses the need for a systematic understanding and examination of insurgent movements and terrorist organizations, as well as state policies that instigate intrastate conflicts in African states. It examines and documents the tactics that are used by anti-government forces, states’ counterterrorism responses, and the human security impacts of insecurity on citizens across various communities in Africa. The contributors’ extensive research methods include case studies that explore activities of terrorist organizations like Al Shabaab, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State. It presents new and productive insights about counterterrorism strategies deployed by selected African states, the African Union, and the U.S. A historically rich and politically focused analysis of states as co-conspirators in terrorism-induced insecurity in Africa, this book challenges existing literature on terrorism that largely focuses on the actions of non-state entities. It provides practical insights to policymakers that desire to end insecurity and promote inclusive governance in Africa.