Connecting-Africa | Find publications

Advanced search

Find:


Title Sudan, Chad, Somalia: A Comparative Analysis of State Failure as a Carte Blanche for Spoilers in Protracted Social Conflicts
Full text http://scripties.let.eldoc.ub.rug.nl/root/Master/DoorstroomMasters/InternationaleBetrek/2011/PersN.D.Daphnevander/
Date 2011
Author(s) Pers, N.D. (Daphne) van der
Abstract From an international perspective, failed states, characterized by incessant conflict, are considered a threat to regional and global stability in view of spill-over effects and the absence of a rule of law, which gives rise to local armed groups and creates an open invite to outside terrorist networks like Al Qaeda. This master thesis presents the findings of a comparative study on the three leading failed states of the world Sudan, Chad, and Somalia, which are weakened by protracted social conflicts and ineffective governance. The purpose of the present study is to determine the nexus between the failed status of the SCS-states, the continuation of violent conflict, and the spoilers involved. The central question concerns the social-political-economic consequences of protracted social conflicts and how these should be addressed. Edward Azar's theory of Protracted Social Conflicts and Paul Wehr's Conflict Mapping model are used to guide through the complex relations between state failure, protracted conflicts, and spoilers. In particular, the role of the government, Al Qaeda, the Janjaweed, and Al Shabaab is highlighted for their obstruction of conflict resolution. In the final analysis, the results of this research will demonstrate the importance of good governance in breaking the cycle of violence. Significantly, this study indicates that systematic violence in the SCS-states is structural for it is embedded in the nature of the post-colonial political system and the social structure, which is key to understanding why it is so difficult to end conflicts in these states.
Language en
Repository Groningen - University of Groningen
Added to C-A: 2018-11-14;10:56:35