Can a stable political order be established in Liberia in the aftermath of the collapse of govern-ance and a horrendous period of pillage and carnage? Amos Sawyer, former President, argues that the task can indeed be accomplished, but only in the context of new constitutional ar-rangements and governing institutions that differ markedly from those of the past. Index, bib, apps, 242pp, USA. LYNNE RIENNER.

William Powers went to Liberia as a fresh faced aid worker in 1999 and was given the mandate to fight poverty and save the rainforest, soon confronting the myriad obstacles to these goals. He discovers how Liberia has become a black hole in the international system: poor, environmentally looted, scarred by violence, and barely governed. He comes face to face with unspeakable horrors and the insidious corruption behind every daily transaction. 292pp, USA. BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING PLC.

What were the constraints to establishing a subregional security mechanism and to promoting economic integration in West Africa between 1960 and 1990? What factors impacted on peacemaking efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, and what factors account for the unresolved security and political processes in these countries? How successful have efforts at conflict management been in these three cases? What are the lessons for building sustain-able peace in West Africa and for institutionalising ECOMOG in West Africa? Map, notes, bib, index, 192pp, UK. RIENNER, 1588260771

An analysis of the historical dysfunction of the postcolonial African state, and a critique of the crisis that resulted in the collapse of Liberia. Index, bib, notes, maps, xii, 186pp, CANADA. UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA PRESS.

A history of Liberia from the beginnings of the country founded by freed African American slaves to the destructive civil war which left thousands dead or displaced. The author also looks at the actions of other countries in response to Samuel Doe's military regime. 454pp, CANADA. TRAFFORD, 1553692942

2002 Paperback

An in depth account of Liberian history and politics aimed at the general reader aiming to correct misconceptions and provide a political perspective on current events and future unrest in the region. The author also responds to questions of immediate concern for U.S. foreign policy and offers strategies for coping with other failed states in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Index, bib, notes, xx, 251pp, USA. REED, 1594290121

2004 Hardback

An in-depth account of one of the most baffling and intractable of Africa's conflicts. Adebajo addresses four questions: Why did Nigeria intervene in Liberia and remain committed throughout the seven-year civil war? The what extent was ECOMOG's intervention shaped by Nigeria's hegemonic aspirations? What domestic, regional and external factors prevented ECOMOG from achieving its objectives for so long? And what factors led eventually to the end of the war? map, bib., index, xvi, 285pp. USA. LYNNE RIENNER, 1588260526

Argues that democracy is not a foreign import into Africa, but that essential aspects of what we in the West consider democratic values are part of the indigenous African traditions of legitimacy and political process. In the case of Liberia, these democratic traditions include institutionalized checks and balances operating at the local level that allow for the voices of structural subordinates (women and younger men) to be heard and be effective in making claims. the violence and state collapse that have beset Liberia and the surrounding region in the past two decades cannot be attributed to ancient tribal hatreds or neopatrimonial leaders who are simply a modern version of traditional chiefs. Rather, democracy and violence are intersecting themes in Liberian history that have manifested themselves in numerous contexts over the years. Index, bib 190pp, USA. PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Updated edition. Civil wars can erupt anywhere, but the revival of religious ideas is of particular relevance in what used to be called the Third World. This book unravels a puzzling and brutal war, suggesting that the resurgence of religion may be part of many more such conflicts in the years to come. Maps, bib, index. xix, 350pp. UK. HURST.

Monograph which examines the regional efforts at resolving the intra state conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone and the use of military force by third parties. Notes and refs, vii, 67pp, NIGERIA, 9781361247

Conflict in Liberia has spread beyond borders into Sierra Leone and Guinea, this issue of POLITIQUE AFRICAINE, # 88, examines regional dynamics in unstable states, and the influence of the military, and economic factors - esp. diamonds. In French, BNS, about 140pp, FRANCE. KARTHALA,

NEW EDITION. Starts with a history of the Liberian nation, before providing case studies of unilateral and multilateral interventions by other nations in internal conflict situations in various countries. The history and evolution of the modern concept of peace-keeping operations is also traced. Finally it critically appraises the West African peace initiative in Liberia, drawing on the previous case studies. Index, bib, map, vii, 354pp, NIGERIA. FOURTH DIMENSION PUBLISHING.

Attempt tp understand the complex dynamics of various humanitarian interventions in Liberia between 1990 and 2004 and to formulate long-range policy options to inform future peace-keeping operations in Africa. Index, tables, 323pp, SOUTH AFRICA. INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES.