This book is a must-read, as it interrogates the dynamics between insurgency, terrorism, and counterterrorism in Africa and beyond, critically examining their relations and the consequences of their actions through interdisciplinary and multi-theoretical perspectives and offering in-depth case studies’ analysis and insight towards a deeper, comprehensive understanding of the nature of their goals, their structures, and their functionality. It lays the strong ground on policy issues to resolve conflicts by the state and non-state actors and their supporters in a competitive, complex web of interests and intrigue of powers.

World politics requires firm and democratic resolutions to combat insurgency and terrorism at the national, regional, international, and global levels rooted in the respect of national laws, promotion of human dignity, and sustained economic welfarism.

Within a theoretical framework that challenges the conceptual chaos that characterizes the studies of insurgency, terrorism, and counterterrorism in Africa and globally, this book is based on detailed research with strong scholarship, steering us to the crisis within the apparatuses of security, the state, and African politics.

Theoretically pluralistic, and critically balanced with analytically sound tools and data, this book adds new intellectual vibrancy to the literature ofinsurgency, terrorism, and counterterrorism in Africa. Considering the sharp and rich qualitative methodological contributions, which can be appreciated by both scholars and policymakers, it is a highly recommended piece in one’s own research desk and library, and/or as a teaching syllabus material.

Tukumbi Lumumba-Kasongo, Wells College

What is terrorism? Who is a terrorist? Does waging a war against terror work? What counterterrorism strategies work? What is insurgency? How does it differ from terrorism? How have African states responded to terrorism and insurgencies? Should we trust all claims made by states on counterterrorism? There are no homogenous answers. However, Insurgency, Terrorism, and Counterterrorism in Africa, edited by George Klay Kieh, Jr. and Kelechi A. Kalu gives comprehensive, tightly argued analysis on these important subjects. This book theorizes terrorism, insurgency, and counterterrorism. It also offers sound explanations for the rise and proliferation of insurgencies as well as private and state-sponsored terrorism in the African continent. Further, it presents and evaluates the multiple counterterrorism strategies developed and employed by states and international organizations in the continent in brilliant, well-researched exposition and analyses. Although some of the expressions of terrorism are local, many are also regional and transnational. Counterterrorism is also influenced and shaped by local, regional, and global dynamics. Major global players such as the United States of America and its allies, international organizations such as the United Nations, and regional organizations have devised responses to the escalating threats from insurgent and terrorist groups. For example, the rationale offered for waging the war on terrorism counterinsurgency by the US after 9/11 has gained traction in many African countries that rationalize state-sponsored terrorism and attendant human rights abuses as well as repression using the same rhetoric and justifications. The case studies in this book—on Nigeria, Somalia, various terrorist groups, and counterterrorism—present multiple, theoretically grounded perspectives that offer deep explication of some of the most significant problems of our time—in the African continent. This is a great book for practitioners, scholars, and students as well as laypersons who want to understand the issues, problems, and proposed solutions by the erudite scholars who contributed to this volume. The editors deserve commendation for a job well done, that contributes to our pool of knowledge on the subject matter and African Studies. This book also presents complex information in an accessible, refreshing, and interesting manner.

Mojúbàolú Olúfúnké Okome, Brooklyn College, CUNY

Insurgency, Terrorism, and Counterterrorism is a masterly book on a burning issue that threatens the destruction of an entire continent. This book's strength lies in its groundedness of notable experiences, with attentiveness to details of destruction. Its key value lies in its policy prescriptions for long-lasting peace and security. The vibrancy of the scholarship must be translated to the urgency of policies to overcome the tyranny of death.

Toyin Falola, University of Pretoria

Editors Kieh and Kalu interrogate the intimate connections linking insurgency, terrorism, and counterterrorism and examine their deadly consequences across Africa. To accomplish this, they assembled a talented, diverse group of contributors who deliver valuable interdisciplinary perspectives. This engaging collection presents germane case studies on Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS and chapters examining responses by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the US. As a bonus, the text incorporates both state and non-state actors, providing useful insights into regional, national, and human security across the continent and making prudent policy recommendations to address remaining challenges. This well-written, persuasively argued, deeply researched book is timely and relevant. Overall, this study makes a worthwhile contribution to a nuanced understanding of the twin problems of insurgency and terrorism in Africa and the necessity of appropriate responses to counter them that reach beyond traditional military campaigns and address underlying causes. This impressive work is a significant step toward an important goal. Anyone interested in insurgency and terrorism in Africa will greatly profit from reading this fine volume. Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals.

Choice Reviews

[This] edited volume offers a nuanced analysis and divergent coverage on some of the most pressing security issues that have plagued the continent in recent times. This timely contribution is highly recommended.

International Affairs