AFS 337 Notes 12-1

Cause of Religious Extremism in AfricaEconomic deprivation, political repression, religious intolerance, western foreign policyLocal Weak states (ungoverned space) Poor governance (authoritarianism, marginalization) Ethnic/religious/regional fragmentation, tension and discrimination Underdevelopment (poverty and inequality)Global Foreign policy The end of the cold war and discrediting of socialism and rise of ethnicity and religion as new organizing forces Spread radical ideas, personnel, arms, and finance globalizationLayers of the struggle Local/global between liberal vs. radical interpretations of religion Clash within or between civilizations National against corruption

Africa and the war on terrorChallenges The growing militarization of the western foreign policy in Africa (Africom, counter-terrorism initiatives and operations) The limited ability of the AU to provide leadership in conflict resolution and peace-keeping/buildingLong-term implications Collusion with authoritarian governments (rise of the security/surveillance, state) Privileging stability over democracy The use of the war on terror to stifle opposition and derail the rise of democratic governance Surrendering of the mandate to solve African problems by Africans