Huebert, RobShamvu, Mulago Jean-Pierre2014-01-292014-03-152014-01-292014Shamvu, M. J. (2014). Security Challenges of States Building Crisis in West Africa since 1955 (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27729http://hdl.handle.net/11023/1332West African states have been struggling to build their nation-states since the independences that started in 1957. The same ills that struck these states since the beginning seem to have stuck with them despite several attempts at healing them. Instead of modern and prosperous states, people are witnessing the chronic weakness of their states. This research seeks to contribute to the understanding of states’ weakness in West Africa and to the analysis of possible solutions to address the problem. The opening chapter sets the stage of the research by introducing the phenomenon of states’ weakness in West Africa. The next chapter looks at the literature that deals with states power and weakness. The frames of analysis used to evaluate these states’ strength and weaknesses are also introduced in this chapter. These are the critical mass, political skills, economic wealth, military and security assets. These resources offer a view of a state’s potential. Chapter three delves on some of the causes of West African states’ weakness. These states are weak because of the structures and internal socio-political dynamics within them. Some other causes of their weakness come from the global powers’ influences. The last section of the chapter offers an overview of how the Cold War (1945-1989) influenced events in the sub region. The political environment of overlay by global powers shapes considerably the states under study. Security Reform and Governance is posited as the solution to the lack of capacity of West African states. Chapter four of this work delves on this subject. The security sector covers most state’s institutions that need to be reformed in West Africa. The closing chapter demonstrates how the Economic Community of West African States is a nascent security community. Its security architecture endorses the Security Sector Governance mechanism and therefore stands a better chance of strengthening member states if provided with the needed resources.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.History--AfricanMilitary StudiesPolitical Science--International Law and RelationsWest AfricaSecurityInternational RelationsPeace and securityConflictdoctoral thesis10.11575/PRISM/27729