Critical Perspectives on Transnational Criminality in West Africa

Abstract

This is an overview of the impact and challenge of transnational organized crime which often overlaps with Islamist insurgency in West Africa.  Although these developments threaten the foundations of the state in West Africa, the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been unable to deal with the situation.  Canadian policy makers pondering a troop commitment to Mali should pay particular attention to this piece.