Foreign Intervention in Africa after the Cold War

Foreign Intervention in Africa after the Cold War examines external military involvement across the African continent from 1991 to 2017. Schmidt analyzes the complex web of international actors and interests that shaped military interventions during this period, including Western powers, regional organizations, and the United Nations. The book presents case studies from multiple African regions, documenting interventions in Somalia, Rwanda, Libya, Mali and other nations. Through these examples, Schmidt traces the evolution of foreign military engagement and its impacts on local populations and regional stability. The work draws from diplomatic records, military documents, and interviews to reconstruct the decision-making processes behind key interventions. Schmidt examines the stated humanitarian and security objectives of intervening powers alongside their economic and strategic motivations. This comprehensive study reveals patterns in how external powers have approached military intervention in Africa, while raising questions about sovereignty, responsibility, and the long-term consequences of foreign military action. The analysis challenges readers to consider the complex relationship between humanitarian ideals and national interests in international relations.

Readers found the book provides detailed case studies of foreign interventions across Africa, with clear explanations of complex political situations. Multiple reviews note its value as a reference text for students and researchers. Readers appreciated: - Clear organization by region and country - Balance between depth and accessibility - Inclusion of economic motivations behind interventions - Documentation of both Western and non-Western interventions Main criticisms: - Academic writing style can be dry - Some case studies receive more attention than others - Limited coverage of internal African perspectives - Focus mostly on negative intervention outcomes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (11 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (6 ratings) One doctoral student reviewer noted: "The book excels at showing connections between different interventions, though it could include more African voices." Another reader commented: "Thorough research but reads like a textbook rather than narrative history."

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🌍 The author spent over 40 years studying African history and politics, including extensive research in West Africa, particularly Guinea. 📚 The book examines 15 cases of foreign military intervention in Africa between 1991 and 2017, highlighting how the end of the Cold War changed international involvement in African conflicts. 🗺️ While most books focus on single countries or regions, this work uniquely covers the entire continent, from Somalia and Libya in the north to Angola and Zimbabwe in the south. 💭 Schmidt challenges the common narrative that African conflicts are primarily ethnic or tribal, demonstrating how foreign interference and economic interests often fuel these conflicts. 🏛️ The book was published by Ohio University Press as part of their prestigious "New Approaches to African History" series, which aims to provide fresh perspectives on African studies for students and scholars.