A Meta-Analysis of Military Intervention in Africa

• In Event: Examinations of Military and Command Leadership

Short Description

This paper explores Western military intervention in Africa. Specifically, the long-term effects and overall themes that are created or perpetuated through external military interventions in sovereign nations.

Detailed Abstract

Africa has long been a target of both nonprofit and governmental aid. With issues of genocide, civil war, and civilian displacement still common on the continent it is unsurprising that world leaders and private humanitarians have aimed multiple efforts to help resolve conflicts and help develop infrastructure and programs. However, Africa's conflicts persist despite an almost worldwide effort to resolve them. As a result, it is important to glean as much knowledge from previous interventions as possible. In order to do that, this paper will collect information from previous research to determine what techniques are useful and what techniques have failed. Through the use of meta-analysis, the research team will collect information on Western military intervention in Africa and filter that information through the methodologies of Lipsey and Cooper. The use of military intervention was selected in order to pinpoint the analysis. Additionally, nonprofits have a wide array of approaches including: medical intervention, career skills education, and adoption services. Due to the expansive nature of these practices it is less likely that research would provide overarching themes and conclusions. Military intervention, however, is similar enough to provide the necessary overarching themes for meta-analysis. Specifically, the research questions for this investigation will include:
What are common outcomes of joint operations? How often do Western military units work with local forces?

What long term resources do military/peacekeeping forces provide?

How often are conflicts ended through outside intervention?

How do locals react to military intervention? Are troops welcomed or shunned?

What incites intervention?

What these questions hope to gain is a sense of accomplishment or a sense of further damage. As leaders look for solutions in turbulent times and turbulent situations, it is important to have as much information as possible. Conteh-Morgan in their 2000 article argues that changes in the military need to take place in order for most African countries to reach their full democratic potential (Conteh-Morgan, 2000). Yoon from Hanover College comes to another, but important conclusion: that military intervention is effected by economic goals and territorial priorities, and that these elements often effect governments' movements and development (Yoon, 2005, p 289). Finally, Michelle Moyd writes an article in Africa Today that discusses the effects of humanitarian aid. Specifically, what the cost of Eurocentrism can be and the cost of perusing the question of whose goals take precedence in most interventions (Moyd, 2016, p 95). Through the use of large scale analysis the themes of democracy, growth, and outside influences, leaders can gain more insight. Through that insight, important changes can be made that focus on mutual benefit. And, finally, the hope of this project is to highlight what other questions or trends may need further research. Through these efforts holes in the current system of military intervention may be highlighted and focused to prevent future turbulence and heal the wounds that currently exist. With these strategies in place it is likely that mutual benefit could exist and that currently underdeveloped African nations could reach their full potential. The development of these countries would offer new and exciting opportunities for both native citizens, and leaders and followers from a growing, global community.

Participant

• Kimberly Thomas, Alvernia University