Burden of Collective Goodwill

Abiodun Alao, King's College, University of London, UK

• Contents: State failure, international intervention and the collapse of the Liberian state; The politics and economics of the Liberian civil war; Regional involvement in the Liberian conflict: ECOWAS and ECOMOG in Liberia; The United Nations and the Liberian conflict; Allies as rivals: ECOMOG and UNOMIL in Liberia; Non-governmental organizations and the Liberian emergency; Whither the Godfather? the United States and the Liberian civil war; The international community and post-conflict Liberia.

’...a fascinating study which illuminates our understanding of the failed state and the role of external actors in coping with its implications. The author’s pioneering study is a model of scholarly endeavour providing a host of valuable insights, based on extensive fieldwork in difficult circumstances.’ Professor J.E. Spence, Royal Institute of International Affairs, UK ’...this new study helps to fill gap in our understanding of the international involvement in the Liberian conflict, the forces that shaped it and the degree of success in the outcome. The author argues that the extensive international response (mainly West African ECOMG forces) offers important lessons for the management of complex emergencies in Africa.’ African Book Centre ’...this unprecedented case...is therefore particularly welcome and represents the first attempt to assess the international involvement in the entire civil war. he deals competently and painstakingly with the tortuous peacemaking process...’ International Affairs