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Pol33


International security assistance in Africa: views beyond the policy [CRG Violent Conflict] 
Convenors:
Øystein H. Rolandsen (Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO))
Kwesi Aning (KAIPTC)
Karen Büscher (Ghent University)
Maggie Dwyer (University of Edinburgh)
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Stream:
Politics and International Relations
Location:
Appleton Tower, Lecture Theatre 5
Sessions:
Thursday 13 June, -, -
Time zone: Europe/London

Short Abstract:

This panel explores the complex dynamics of international security assistance by focusing on the effects on recipient countries in Africa. It aims to look beyond the official policies of donors to understand how foreign-driven security assistance is interpreted, adapted, or contested within Africa.

Long Abstract:

Security assistance, with the overarching goal of increased 'stability', is a key area of international engagement for many states in Africa. Through advisors, training and equipment donations such programmes often aim to assist African countries to deal with transnational issues (e.g. violent extremism, migration or organized crime). It is a measure for actors outside the continent to address ruptures (civil wars, terror attacks, etc.) and obstruct connections they deem threatening (smuggling routes and religious extremism networks). Concurrently, security assistance is a key element in the bolstering of multi-lateral collaborations between African states (e.g. AMISOM and G5-Sahel). The landscape of security assistance has, however, become increasingly murky with a growing number of donors from both within and outside the continent, which at times advance differing agendas. The grand plans of security assistance are often riddled with competing interests, unintended consequences and contradictory outcomes.

The panel convenors invite contributions which explore the connections, ruptures and complex dynamics of international security assistance and its effects on recipient countries in Africa. Of particular interest would be papers looking beyond the official policies of donors to understand how foreign-driven security assistance is interpreted, adapted or contested within Africa. We will also welcome papers which take a view from below, examining the lived realities of security assistance on local communities, soldiers, police and traditional leaders. Submissions to the panel may also use approaches that take a broader perspective and investigate how international security partnerships affect governance, human rights and civil-military relations.

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Thursday 13 June, 2019, -