Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Integrated Threat Management: An Alternative Approach to Regional Security System for ECOWAS Farouck Mohammed-Bashar Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Public Administration Commons, and the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Farouck Mohammed-Bashar has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Marcel Kitissou, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Chizoba Madueke, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Ian Cole, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Integrated Threat Management: An Alternative Approach to Regional Security System for ECOWAS by Farouck Mohammed-Bashar MPhil, Walden University, 2020 MS, Walden University, 2013 MA, University of Ghana, 2011 BA, University of Ghana, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University September 2020 Abstract The onset of new and emerging threats to peace and security in West Africa has added another layer of threat to security in West Africa. There is a need for research on the interconnectedness among existing and new and emerging threats to security in the region. The purpose of this study was to explore the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS’) approach to its regional security management strategy. The punctuated equilibrium theory and policy feedback theory were used to conceptualize the problem within the context of ECOWAS’ policy inertia and the wide range of security and sociopolitical dynamics in the region. The research questions focused on assessing the effectiveness of ECOWAS’ approach to security management in West Africa. The research was a qualitative exploratory case study based on a grounded theory design. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit 12 regional security experts from ECOWAS headquarters and regional peace and security institutions in Ghana and Nigeria. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews and document analysis. The findings showed that the ECOWAS’ security management strategy, which was effective during the internecine conflicts, was no longer successful with the advent of new and emerging threats to security in the region. Recommendations of this study include developing ECOWAS strategic concept for security management and drafting an ECOWAS framework for accountability. The study has implications for positive social change (e.g., improving perceptions of security among West African citizens) and policy making and professional practice (e.g., supporting an integrated conceptual approach to security management that is threat focused). Integrated Threat Management: An Alternative Approach to Regional Security System for ECOWAS by Farouck Mohammed-Bashar MPhil, Walden University, 2020 MS, Walden University, 2013 MA, University of Ghana, 2011 BA, University of Ghana, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University September 2020 Dedication I dedicate this study to my mother, Hajiya Hamamata Mohammed-Labbo, and my late father, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed-Bashar, whose combined efforts and sacrifices saw me through my primary and secondary education. I also dedicate it to my wife Mariam Bashar, children, and siblings, whose family time was affected by this program. To my Ghana Military Academy intake mates, Major (Rtd.) Doctor Eugene Owusu- Afrifa and Colonel Doctor Timothy Baa-taa-banah, you were my sources of support and inspiration throughout this quest. Acknowledgments My utmost gratitude goes to the Almighty God for seeing me through this study. I am sincerely grateful to my committee chair, Dr. Marcel Kitissou, and committee member, Dr. Chizoba Madueke, for your invaluable guidance, mentorship, and strong resolve in navigating me through all the difficult moments I encountered in this journey. I thank Dr. Nafisa Mahama and Dr. Akorfa Ahiafor for your encouragement and assistance. I also acknowledge Dr. Emma Birikorang of Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Dr. Levinia Addae-Mensah from West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), and the military and civilian staff at the ECOWAS Commission for the support you provided during my data collection. Table of Contents List of Tables ................................................................................................................v List of Figures .............................................................................................................. vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study...............................................................................1 Introduction.............................................................................................................1 Background .............................................................................................................2 Brief History of West Africa.............................................................................. 4 Independent West Africa and the Vestiges of Colonialism .................................. 8 Formation of the Economic Community of West African States ......................... 9 ECOWAS Membership ....................................................................................10 ECOWAS Vision Aim and Objectives ..............................................................12 ECOWAS Structure .........................................................................................13 Problem Statement ................................................................................................ 14 Purpose of the Study .............................................................................................. 16 Research Questions ............................................................................................... 16 Theoretical Foundation .......................................................................................... 17 Nature of the Study................................................................................................ 18 Definitions ............................................................................................................ 20 Assumptions.......................................................................................................... 22 Scope and Delimitations ........................................................................................ 22 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 23 Significance .......................................................................................................... 24 i Significance to Practice ....................................................................................25 Significance to Theory .....................................................................................25 Significance to Social Change ..........................................................................26 Summary and Transition ........................................................................................ 26 Chapter 2: Literature Review ....................................................................................... 28 Introduction........................................................................................................... 28 Literature Search Strategy ...................................................................................... 29 Theoretical Foundation .......................................................................................... 29 Literature Review Related to Key Variables and/or Concepts .................................. 31 Colonially Induced Identity Conflicts in West Africa ........................................31 The Cold War and Peace and Security in West Africa .......................................40 The Effects of the Post-September 11 Wars on Terror on Peace and Security in West Africa .........................................................................46 ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture.......................................................49 Summary............................................................................................................... 57 Chapter 3: Research Method ........................................................................................ 59 Introduction........................................................................................................... 59 Research Design and Rationale .............................................................................. 60 Role