From Superpower Rivalry to Internal Strife. Analyzing the Factors Behind African Intra-State Conflicts After the Cold War

Academic Paper , 2024 , 22 Pages

Politics - Topic: Peace and Conflict, Security

This research paper investigates the rise of intra-state conflicts in Africa following the end of the Cold War, analyzing the historical, economic, political, and social factors contributing to these conflicts. Employing a qualitative historical-analytical framework, the study explores how the withdrawal of superpower support, state failure, anarchism, and the neglect of internal conflict drivers have fueled intra-state conflicts across the continent. Case studies of Somalia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Angola illustrate the impact of state collapse and elite dominance on conflict dynamics. The paper also examines the role of economic factors, particularly resource wealth, in perpetuating conflicts, and highlights the consequences of neglecting intra-state issues, as exemplified by the Rwandan Genocide. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of inclusive governance and political reforms in mitigating conflict, drawing on the transition to democracy in South Africa as a successful model. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that address both immediate triggers and underlying causes of intra-state conflicts, with recommendations for strengthening state institutions, promoting inclusive governance, diversifying economies, and enhancing international engagement. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of factors driving intra-state conflicts in Africa and offers insights for developing effective conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Literature Review
  • Cold War Dynamics in Africa
  • Post-Cold War Transition and State Failure
• Historical Context of the Cold War
• Economic Factors and Resource Wealth
• Social and Political Dynamics
• Consequences of Neglecting Intra-State Issues
• Case Studies
• Somalia
• Liberia
• Sierra Leone
• Angola
• Rwanda
• Lessons from South Africa
• Recommendations for Mitigating Conflicts
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This research paper investigates the surge in intra-state conflicts in Africa after the Cold War, exploring the historical, economic, political, and social factors contributing to these conflicts. The study analyzes how the withdrawal of superpower support, state failure, and the neglect of internal conflict drivers have fueled violence across the continent.

• The impact of the Cold War on African states and the subsequent withdrawal of superpower support.
• The role of state failure, anarchism, and neglected internal conflict drivers in fueling intra-state conflicts.
• The impact of economic factors, particularly resource wealth, in perpetuating conflicts.
• The consequences of neglecting intra-state issues, as exemplified by the Rwandan Genocide.
• The importance of inclusive governance and political reforms in mitigating conflict.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The introduction sets the context by defining intra-state conflicts and highlighting their prevalence in post-Cold War Africa. The paper focuses on the unique challenges faced by African nations due to the shift from interstate to intra-state conflicts.
• The literature review examines the influence of the Cold War on Africa, including the role of superpower rivalry, proxy wars, and the strategic importance of the continent to both the US and the USSR.
• The historical context of the Cold War chapter analyzes the impact of superpower intervention and subsequent withdrawal on African states, arguing that the legacy of Cold War dynamics has significantly influenced the prevalence of intra-state conflicts in Africa.
• The economic factors and resource wealth chapter explores the role of economic factors in perpetuating conflicts, focusing on the connection between resource wealth and conflict dynamics.
• The social and political dynamics chapter examines the interplay of social and political factors contributing to intra-state conflicts in Africa, exploring themes like state failure, governance challenges, and the rise of ethnic and religious tensions.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This research paper focuses on the complex interplay of factors driving intra-state conflicts in Africa after the Cold War, including state failure, superpower intervention, resource wealth, governance challenges, ethnic and religious tensions, and the need for inclusive governance and political reforms. The paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of these issues and develop effective strategies for conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Africa.

• College: University of Ghana, Legon
• Author: Hafiz Abdul Hamid Salifu (Author)
• Publication Year: 2024
• Pages: 22
• Catalog Number: V1488706
• ISBN (PDF): 9783389044995
• Language: English
• Tags: Cold War, Intra-state Conflict, Africa, Political Reforms, Rwandan Genocide, Somalia