Paper short abstract:

State legitimacy and a sense of ownership are elements often missing from the so-called failed states. This paper will examine whether secession can be the missing link that could address this issue and redress the balance between power and persuasion

Paper long abstract:

State failure has been the scourge of the developing world and one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Whether one agrees with the above statement or not, it is undoubtedly true that a large number of states in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from a lack of state legitimacy and a sense of ownership and loyalty that the population feels towards the state. The question of whether a bottom-up approach in nation-building and the potential secessionist movements this may trigger can be the solution and provide the link between grassroots politics and the lost art of persuasion, is now more pressing than ever.

African politics is more often than not framed in terms of power - and quite often not a legitimate coercive power - than of persuasion. However, as our world becomes closely linked and interdependent, it will become increasingly difficult to command power without persuasion. It is imperative that we examine whether persuasion, rid from the shackles of the 'frozen' boundaries, has the potential, as Lebow argues, to foster cooperation that transcends discrete issues, builds and strengthens community, and reshapes interests in ways that facilitate future cooperation.

This paper will try to explore the links between state legitimacy and ownership and see whether secession can be the missing link, whether it has the potential to redress the balance between power and persuasion.