Abstract:
The 2011 Arab Spring disasters that swept through North Africa and the Middle East radically reshaped the region’s security and political environment. As a result, Tunisia and Egypt, longstanding regimes fell in a matter of weeks although what remained largely intact are the political structures that underpinned these regimes. In North Africa, the conflicts hit the headlines of both local and international media. But, while the short term effects were localised at that time, there appear to be long term risks that have pervaded the globe socially, politically and economically. Objective: The study seeks to examine the politico-economical global implications after the disastrous Arab Spring in order to inform policy direction and mitigate risks. Method: Some case studies of individual countries impacted particularly by terrorism and other forms of violence are examined in this paper. It focuses on the aftermath of the conflicts with respect to peace and security challenges obtaining in the Maghreb; Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia, the adjacent areas like Chad, Mali, Niger and their regional and global strategic implications. Results: In the absence of an effective menu of responses to the disastrous effects of terrorism and instability, threats and risks located in this region may continue to grow into the world community. Recommendations: While policy recommendations are offered to the African Union, these can only be effective and sustainable through a holistic approach that requires an integration of global and local resolve and resources.
Keywords:
Conflict, terrorism, North Africa, global implication, risk