Peace and Security
The number of conflicts in African states is increasing – as is the number of civilian casualties and displaced persons. In this research area, we examine the international context of conflicts in Africa as well as the interplay between the multipolarity of conflict at the international level, fragmentation at the regional level and increasing militarisation at the national level. How do African governments navigate security and foreign policy across these levels? What impact does this have on conflict dynamics, political stability and foreign policy orientation?
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Assessing 25 Years of Partnership between the AU and EU: Closer Cooperation in Peace and Security
At the seventh AU-EU summit, the focus in the area of peace and security should be on crisis prevention and mediation, cybersecurity, the protection of critical infrastructure and the establishment of security and defence partnerships, writes Julian Bergmann.
Megatrends spotlight 63, 11.11.2025 -
Megatrends Afrika: Why should Europe re-engage with the Sahel’s military-led states?
After military coups in Mali and Niger, the EU is struggling to chart a course in the Sahel that reconciles the diverse interests of European member states with political realities on the ground. Denis Tull and Lisa Tschörner explain why and how the EU should re-engage with the region.
SWP Podcast 2025/eP 03, 07.11.2025 -
The Changing Face of Foreign Intervention in African Conflicts
This spotlight examines how security partnerships have evolved amid a new multipolarity, illustrating shifts in external intervention in African conflicts since 2011 and highlighting the decline of Western engagement alongside the rise of non-Western actors.
Megatrends spotlight 62, 05.11.2025 -
Fragmented Approaches, Missed Opportunities: Security Coordination Challenges in Nigeria’s DDRR Efforts
Disengagement, disassociation, reintegration, and reconciliation programmes are central to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism, but rivalries among security agencies limit their impact. Joshua Akintayo highlights how such competition weakens effectiveness and ultimately increases the risk of recidivism.
Megatrends Policy Brief 42, 29.09.2025, 10 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025MTA-PB42
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Mauritania’s Balancing Act amid Intensifying Algerian-Moroccan Rivalry
Algeria and Morocco are increasingly jostling for Mauritania’s favour. Observers watch for any sign that Mauritania might abandon its neutral stance. The rivalry plays out as much through propaganda as it does in reality – with potentially destabilising effects.
Megatrends spotlight 49, 07.04.2025 -
The Myth of the Gamechanger: Drones and Military Power in Africa
Advanced combat drones are increasingly used in conflicts in Africa. This analysis of the conflicts in Mali, Chad and Sudan shows, their potential to shift the balance of military power between state forces and insurgents depends on symmetrical access to technology, type of warfare and topography.
Megatrends Policy Brief 33, 05.03.2025, 14 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025MTA-PB33
