Factors of socio-political (in)stability in West Africa
https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2024-5-12-34
Abstract
Recently, West Africa is represented in the research literature as the epicenter of socio-political instability. That is most relevant for such countries as Mali, Nigeria or Burkina Faso. However, it is worth saying that, despite a number of factors that could lead to potential destabilization in Ghana, the country has been characterized in recent years by a fairly high level of socio-political stability. The present study seeks to determine the factors causing political regime destabilization in West Africa by evaluating important governance indicators, sociopolitical stability, economic advancement, and historical occurrences. The paper uses a mixed-methods approach as well as qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) as an analysis tool. The authors conclude that among the destabilizing factors in the region under study, the following can be considered the most significant: weak mechanisms of accountability within the state, deficient governance frameworks, and corruption. Moreover, if we are talking about Ghana, in that case such indicators as developed media infrastructure, active civil society, initiatives of the country’s leadership to create inter-religious tolerance and cooperation, as well as the general culture of peace inherent in Ghanaians, become the main factors stabilizing the situation in the country.
Supporting agencies: This article is an output of a research project implemented as part of the Basic Research Program at the HSE University in 2024 with the support of the Russian Science Foundation (project No. 24-18-00650).
About the Authors
A. R. Shishkina
HSE University; Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alisa R. Shishkina
20, Myasnitskaya St., Moscow, 101000; 30/1, Spiridonovka St., Moscow, 123001
J. B. Appah
HSE University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Japheth Bondzie Appah
20, Myasnitskaya St., Moscow, 101000
A. V. Korotayev
HSE University; Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Andrei V. Korotayev
20, Myasnitskaya St., Moscow, 101000; 30/1 Spiridonovka St., Moscow, 123001
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For citations:
Shishkina A.R., Appah J.B., Korotayev A.V. Factors of socio-political (in)stability in West Africa. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin Series "Political Science. History. International Relations". 2024;(5):12-34. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2024-5-12-34
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