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The hidden costs of power-sharing: reproducing insurgent violence in Africa
[journal article]
Abstract This article analyzes some factors underlying the spread of insurgent violence in Africa. It focuses on the impact external factors have on power struggles on the continent. The first of these is the unsteady support for democracy from Western donors, which has impeded more far-reaching domestic cha... view more
This article analyzes some factors underlying the spread of insurgent violence in Africa. It focuses on the impact external factors have on power struggles on the continent. The first of these is the unsteady support for democracy from Western donors, which has impeded more far-reaching domestic changes in much of Africa. Second are wider changes in the international setting that dramatically enhanced the international standing of armed movements in the post-1989 period. The article argues that the interplay of both factors has induced would-be leaders to conquer state power by violent rather than non-violent means. This becomes particularly evident in regard to Western efforts to solve violent conflict through power-sharing agreements. The hypothesis is put forward that the institutionalization of this practice for the sake of ‘peace’, i.e. providing rebels with a share of state power, has important demonstration effects across the continent. It creates an incentive structure would-be leaders can seize upon by embarking on the insurgent path as well. As a result, and irrespective of their effectiveness in any given case, power-sharing agreements may contribute to the reproduction of insurgent violence.... view less
Keywords
Africa South of the Sahara; violence; civil war; political power; power struggle; development aid; political intervention; Western world; political influence; conflict management; democratization; political development
Classification
International Relations, International Politics, Foreign Affairs, Development Policy
Peace and Conflict Research, International Conflicts, Security Policy
Free Keywords
Innere Sicherheit/Innerstaatlicher Konflikt; Aufstand/Revolte; bewaffneter Konflikt; außenpolitische Einflussnahme; Machtteilung
Document language
English
Publication Year
2005
Page/Pages
p. 375-398
Journal
African Affairs, 104 (2005) 416
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/adi034
ISSN
1468-2621
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications
With the permission of the rights owner, this publication is under open access due to a (DFG-/German Research Foundation-funded) national or Alliance license.