The Link Between Instability and Violent Extremism in West Africa

About the Event

Islamist insurgents seek to spread their influence west on the African continent, taking advantage of weak governance and struggling security forces, as well as dire economic situations and climbing unemployment figures. The Islamic State's pivot toward Africa comes after years of declining prevalence in the Middle East and provides an opportunity for the group to regain legitimacy through its affiliates. Militant groups in Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso threaten West African regional stability. Is there a connection between the threat of a growing extremist presence in West Africa and the growing number of recent coups in the region? Africa Program Chair Charles Ray will be joined by Dr. Daniel Eizenga, Dr. Steven Radil, and Emily Estelle, to address this and other questions pertaining to political violence in the region.

Speakers