ACSS’s research publications aim to expand the analysis and understanding of Africa’s security challenges. These publications are authored by ACSS faculty and independent scholars with the intention of generating evidenced-based insights while facilitating an exchange of views on effective strategies and practices for advancing Africa’s security. In this way and building on the Center’s strong network of relationships in Africa, the scholarship generated via the Research Program reinforces the Center’s ongoing educational and outreach efforts.
Recognizing that Africa’s security challenges are marked by their breadth and diversity, the ACSS Research Program pursues three integrated layers of analysis: strategic concerns, topical security challenges, and evidenced-based “best practices”. In this way, the Research Program aims to contribute to a conceptual framework for addressing security challenges in Africa as well as to solutions for specific priority issues. Consistent with the ACSS mission, all products generated from the Research Program endeavor to be practical, policy-relevant, and solutions-oriented.
ACSS publications include:
Africa Security Briefs
Africa Security Briefs are 2 to 8 page analyses of critical security challenges facing Africa that generate practical insights on a topic or context as well as actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Nonstate Policing: Expanding the Scope for Tackling Africa’s Urban Violence
By Bruce Baker
The increasingly internal nature of Africa's security threats is placing ever greater pressures on Africa's police forces. Yet severe resource and capacity limitations, combined with high levels of public distrust, leave most African police forces incapable of effectively addressing these expanding urban-based threats in the near term. This Security Brief examines the potential of nonstate policing organizations - community-based groups with local credibility and knowledge - to help fill this gap. [PDF]
"Africa's Fragile States: Empowering Extremists, Exporting Terrorism,"
by Zachary Devlin-Foltz
Persistent reports of extremist activity from every region of the continent, punctuated by the recent al-Shabaab bombings in Kampala and advances in Mogadishu, have deepened concern over the growth of extremism in Africa. This Africa Security Brief assesses the threat of extremism from the lens of state fragility - the context in which extremists find most fertile ground. By so doing, the Brief provides insights and guidance for the priority of shoring up Africa's fragile states - and marginalizing extremists. [ENGLISH]Cocaine and Instability in Africa: Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean
Africa is facing an increasingly menacing threat of cocaine trafficking that risks undermining its security structures, nascent democratic institutions, and development progress. Latin America has long faced similar challenges and its experience provides important lessons that can be applied before this expanding threat becomes more deeply entrenched on the continent - and costly to reverse. [ENGLISH] [FRENCH] [PORTUGUESE]Misinterpreting Ethnic Conflicts in Africa
"Misinterpreting Ethnic Conflicts in Africa" by Fr. Clement Mweyang Aapenguo.
Ethnic conflicts in Africa are often portrayed as having ages-old origins with little prospects for resolution. This article challenges that notion arguing that a re-diagnosis of the underlying drivers to ethnic violence can lead to more effective and sustainable responses. [ENGLISH] [ FRENCH] [PORTUGUESE]Lessons Learned from Peace Operations in Africa
"Lessons Learned from Peace Operations in Africa" by Paul Williams.
Peace operations have been a principal tool used to curb conflict in Africa over the past decade, with over 40 operations deployed since 2000. This article takes stock of lessons learned from these experiences and the implications they hold for improving the effectiveness of future peace operations in Africa. [ENGLISH] [FRENCH] [PORTUGUESE]Navies versus Coast Guards: Defining the Roles of African Maritime Security Forces
Piracy, illegal fishing, and narcotics and human trafficking are growing rapidly in Africa and represent an increasingly central component of the threat matrix facing the continent. However, African states’ maritime security structures are often misaligned with the challenges posed and need coast guard capabilities and an array of intra-governmental partnerships.
[PDF] English
[PDF] French
[PDF] PortugueseU.S. Security Engagement in Africa
By William M. Bellamy. Security Brief. Africa Center for Strategic Studies, June 2009.
A significant development in Africa over the past decade has been the generalized lessening of violent conflict. Revitalized, expanded international peacekeeping, bolstered by a newly launched African Union (AU) determination to tackle security challenges, has reinforced this trend. But, much more cohesive interagency coordination under strong White House direction is required if the United States is to contribute to Africa’s sustained stability given the region’s persistent conditions of poverty, inequality, and weak governance.
[PDF] English; [PDF] French; [PDF] Portuguese
For additional reading go to: Africa Security Challenges
Books
ACSS faculty will periodically produce books and opinion pieces on Africa security issues with the aim of advancing scholarship or sharpening the analysis of policy options.
Research Analysis Papers
Reaseach analysis papers are 10 to 20 page examinations of priority security issues that provide more background and analysis than the Security Briefs yet maintain focus on generating practical findings and recommendations.
Special Reports
On certain fast evolving security issues on which there has been relatively little analysis, ACSS will convene a group of experts to brainstorm the challenges, considerations, and possible courses of action to address the threat. Insights from these deliberations will be synthesized into a “Special Report” aimed at advancing understanding and the quality of decision-making toward these challenges.
