Interrogating the “Liberal Peace” paradigm and “fragile” security regimes in Africa

Abstract

Ian Taylor, my PhD co-supervisor, influenced my interrogation of peacebuilding theories and paradigms in many ways. Apart from his lifelong dedication to critical studies and political economy, Ian worked hard to deconstruct the “Liberal Peace” paradigm in some of his writings. During my doctoral studies at the University of St Andrews, Ian and I debated different peace paradigms in terms of their utility, deficiencies and opportunities, especially for post-conflict and so-called “fragile” African states. These discussions influenced my thoughts and lived experiences as a scholar/practitioner. It is, therefore, with a high sense of appreciation for Ian’s influential works interrogating peacebuilding paradigms that I write to honour his memory in this special issue of Contemporary Voices.