Europe & Africa: Similarities & Differences in Security Structures

Europe, with its highly integrated international networks, belongs to the most secure areas of the world in the matter of localised regional conflicts. On the opposite end, there is the poorest continent namely, Africa with the least developed international structure and with the highest number of armed conflicts in the world. The aim of this book is to examine the historic development of security structures on these two diverse continents, as well as their similarities and differences. The first part of the text focuses on the historic development of Europe and Africa and their interrelations. The second part describes the European and African security structures. The last part covers the similarities and differences between the two security systems. The text shows the economic and political interdependence of European states that was mainly established through the foundation of several supranational institutions after the Second World War in order to ensure sustainable peace and economic prosperity. By contrast, Africa still has serious security problems, and the development of international acting institutions that may help to support stability and peace is still in its infancy. The contemporary development in Europe will bring the continent even closer together and further boost consolidation among European nations. Due to the absence of a functioning multilateral structure and a basic network of collective security in Africa, states there will have to rely on regional arrangements to balance existing power differences. Nevertheless, in order to obtain economic growth and promote general welfare, a network of multilateral operating institutions is unavoidable.