Regionalism and political instability in West Africa

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The study of regions is essential for understanding global politics, particularly in post-colonial West Africa, which has long been in the spotlight for various troubling reasons. Political instability, including military coups, civil wars, and competition for resources, has plagued the region. Despite some recent progress, West Africa still faces significant security challenges such as drug trafficking, organized crime, terrorism, weak democratic governance, and piracy. This work offers comprehensive insights into these issues and their impact on regional cooperation and integration led by ECOWAS, the primary sub-regional organization. Historical conflicts in countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire have influenced ECOWAS member states. Ongoing challenges, such as Islamist insurgencies in Mali and Nigeria and resource disputes between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, continue to divert essential resources away from economic development. This underscores the need to link political instability with economic growth in West Africa. The book advocates for robust implementation of ECOWAS policies, emphasizing the importance of political will to overcome past inertia. Rich in empirical data and traditional theories of integration, it serves as a vital resource for policymakers, students of African history, and anyone interested in the political dynamics of cooperation and integration in the region.