Collective Insecurity: The Liberian Crisis, Unilateralism, and Global Order(Law and Society)

Africa's notorious civil wars and seemingly endless conflicts constitute one of the most intractable threats to global peace and security in the post-Cold War era. This book provides both a superb analysis of the historical dysfunction of the post-colonial African state generally and, more specifically, a probing critique of the crisis that resulted in the tragic collapse of Liberia. Using a historical deconstruction and reconstruction of the theories and practice of international law and politics, Ikechi Mgbeoji ultimately shows that blame for this endless cycle of violence must be laid at the feet of both the Western powers and African states themselves. He further posits that three measures – a reconstructed regime of African statehood, legitimate governance, and reform of the United Nations Security Council – are imperatives for the creation of a stable African polity. In the post-9/11 era, this holistic and multilateral approach to collective security remains the world's best route to peace and socio-political stability. Collective Insecurity is a vital addition to the study of international law and will be of interest to students and practitioners of international law and international relations, and those with an interest in security studies, politics, and African studies.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1 The Myth of African Statehood 2 Collective Security and the Liberian Conflict 3 The Liberian Conflict and the International Law on Foreign Intervention in Domestic Conflicts 4 The UN Charter and the Ratification of the ECOWAS Action by the Security Council: Implications for Global Security 5 Reconfiguring Collective Security in Africa Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Ikechi Mgbeoji is a professor in the Faculty of Law, Osgoode Hall, York University.

Review :
A timely, well written book that will appeal to those interested in Africa—international lawyers, international relations specialists, and others who are concerned about the impact of the "global war on terrorism" on the role of international law and social justice … there is no question that this is an important book that draws on a wide variety of sources and disciplines to address both an area that has been neglected for far too long in the US (African politics and history) and an issue that is at the forefront of US foreign policy today (the legitimate use of military force internationally). - Ronald C. Slye, Seattle University School of Law (Law and Politics Book Review) The book is a significant contribution to the fields of international law and African studies … [It] provides a basis from which to start to make sense of a vast continent which has been forgotten in its hour of need. It points the way forward and clarifies the difficult historical and intellectual problems that must be comprehended if Africa is to be understood both by Africans as well as outsiders. - Director of the Human Rights Center at SUNY Buffalo School of Law and author of Human Rights: A Political and Cultural Critique