The Elgar companion to war, conflict and peacebuilding in Africa

Abstract

This dynamic Companion brings together esteemed academics from across the globe to provide ten distinct approaches to peacebuilding in Africa. With a timely and forward-thinking approach to war and conflict, the book focuses on the utilisation of traditional African dialogue in contemporary peacebuilding, developing infrastructures, and education for peace with a transformative agenda. The Elgar Companion to War, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Africa connects strongly with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and the aspirations of the African Union in its Agenda 2063. Chapters explore how to develop nonviolent action in civil society, bad governance and political competition as causes of violence, implementing basic income grants as a means to reduce violence, and alternatives to African militaries. Ultimately, this Companion recognises that the task of violence prevention is not the responsibility of governments alone, and that governments must work to positively utilise the capacities and commitments of civil society and local communities.