The Spectacular Rise and Catastrophic Fall of Three Liberian Presidents
The Spectacular Rise and Catastrophic Fall of Three Liberian Presidents

Author: Ambassador David D. Chieh Sr.

Publisher: WestBow Press

Published: 2015-07-15

Total Pages: 141

ISBN-13: 1490883371

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In the tiny country of Limbakar, there arose a dramatic transformation of the government, the first in its history. Twenty-four hours after this gruesome change, two private soldiers were attracted by the array of posh cars lined up in the parking lot; they took a close look into the cars which had their keys still in the ignitions and their doors unlocked. Compelled by their curiosity, they entered two of the cars; the first turned the key, and the engine started; the second did likewise. The first pushed the gear forward, while the second pushed the gear in reverse. Both cars were in motion. The first rolled forward, while the second rolled backward. Both cars moved uncontrollably in a merry-go-round scenario, and the bewildered soldiers were unable to manipulate the cars but barked orders at the cars to halt. But the cars were not attuned to taking orders. The cars only stopped after an explosive crash into the parked cars, causing a giant inferno from which both soldiers escaped unhurt. The adjutant rebuked the soldiers for their downright indiscipline, but they replied, The cars disobeyed orders to halt and ought to be court-martialed. The adjutant ordered the soldiers locked up for life, because even their lifetime pay would not cover the restoration of the value of the spectacular posh cars, which their irresponsible action has brought to a catastrophe.

Failed State 2030
Failed State 2030

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781585662036

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" This monograph describes how a failed state in 2030 may impact the United States and the global economy. It also identifies critical capabilities and technologies the US Air Force should have to respond to a failed state, especially one of vital interest to the United States and one on the cusp of a civil war. Nation-states can fail for a myriad of reasons: cultural or religious conflict, a broken social contract between the government and the governed, a catastrophic natural disaster, financial collapse, war and so forth. Nigeria with its vast oil wealth, large population, and strategic position in Africa and the global economy can, if it fails disproportionately affect the United States and the global economy. Nigeria, like many nations in Africa, gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. It is the most populous country in Africa and will have nearly 250 million people by 2030. In its relatively short modern history, Nigeria has survived five military coups as well as separatist and religious wars, is mired in an active armed insurgency, is suffering from disastrous ecological conditions in its Niger Delta region, and is fighting one of the modern world's worst legacies of political and economic corruption. A nation with more than 350 ethnic groups, 250 languages, and three distinct religious affiliations--Christian, Islamic, and animist Nigeria's 135 million people today are anything but homogenous. Of Nigeria's 36 states, 12 are Islamic and under the strong and growing influence of the Sokoto caliphate. While religious and ethnic violence are commonplace, the federal government has managed to strike a tenuous balance among the disparate religious and ethnic factions. With such demographics, Nigeria's failure would be akin to a piece of fine china dropped on a tile floor--it would simply shatter into potentially hundreds of pieces."--DTIC abstract.

Violent Order
Violent Order

Author: Nicholai Hart Lidow

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2016-11-17

Total Pages: 243

ISBN-13: 1108107745

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Rebel groups exhibit significant variation in their treatment of civilians, with profound humanitarian consequences. This book proposes a new theory of rebel behavior and cohesion based on the internal dynamics of rebel groups. Rebel groups are more likely to protect civilians and remain unified when rebel leaders can offer cash payments and credible future rewards to their top commanders. The leader's ability to offer incentives that allow local security to prevail depends on partnerships with external actors, such as diaspora communities and foreign governments. This book formalizes this theory and tests the implications through an in-depth look at the rebel groups involved in Liberia's civil war. The book also analyzes a micro-level dataset of crop area during Liberia's war, derived through remote sensing, and an original cross-national dataset of rebel groups.

Security in Africa
Security in Africa

Author: Claire Metelits

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2016-10-12

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 1442239565

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Security in Africa: A Critical Approach to Western Indicators of Threat questions the dominant Western narrative of security threats in Africa. Based on an analysis traditional security studies and Western security policy, it argues that commonly used indicators are based on mainstream security studies and provide only circumscribed analyses of threats to international security. By assessing the origins of this traditional approach to security and problematizing failed states, political instability, Muslim populations, and poverty among others, it makes the case for a critical approach to framing security challenges in Africa.

Regions and Powers
Regions and Powers

Author: Barry Buzan

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2003-12-04

Total Pages: 598

ISBN-13: 9780521891110

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This book develops the idea that since decolonisation, regional patterns of security have become more prominent in international politics. The authors combine an operational theory of regional security with an empirical application across the whole of the international system. Individual chapters cover Africa, the Balkans, CIS Europe, East Asia, EU Europe, the Middle East, North America, South America, and South Asia. The main focus is on the post-Cold War period, but the history of each regional security complex is traced back to its beginnings. By relating the regional dynamics of security to current debates about the global power structure, the authors unfold a distinctive interpretation of post-Cold War international security, avoiding both the extreme oversimplifications of the unipolar view, and the extreme deterritorialisations of many globalist visions of a new world disorder. Their framework brings out the radical diversity of security dynamics in different parts of the world.

Natural Resources and Violent Conflict
Natural Resources and Violent Conflict

Author: Ian Bannon

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2003-01-01

Total Pages: 432

ISBN-13: 9780821355039

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Research carried out by the World Bank on the root causes of conflict and civil war finds that a developing country's economic dependence on natural resources or other primary commodities is strongly associated with the risk level for violent conflict. This book brings together a collection of reports and case studies that explore what the international community in particular can do to reduce this risk.; The text explains the links between natural resources and conflict and examines the impact of resource dependence on economic performance, governance, secessionist movements and revel financing. It then explores avenues for international action - from financial and resource reporting procedures and policy recommendations to commodity tracking systems and enforcement instruments, including sanctions, certification requirements, aid conditionality, legislative and judicial instruments.

Illicit
Illicit

Author: Moises Naim

Publisher: Anchor

Published: 2006-10-10

Total Pages: 351

ISBN-13: 0307278565

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A groundbreaking investigation of how illicit commerce is changing the world by transforming economies, reshaping politics, and capturing governments.In this fascinating and comprehensive examination of the underside of globalization, Moises Naím illuminates the struggle between traffickers and the hamstrung bureaucracies trying to control them. From illegal migrants to drugs to weapons to laundered money to counterfeit goods, the black market produces enormous profits that are reinvested to create new businesses, enable terrorists, and even to take over governments. Naím reveals the inner workings of these amazingly efficient international organizations and shows why it is so hard — and so necessary to contain them. Riveting and deeply informed, Illicit will change how you see the world around you.