Hegemonic transition and African security

five lessons from postcolonial security studies

Abstract

This article reflects on five interrelated lessons concerning war, defence, and state-building in the postcolonial South. Centring on African security, it explores how the current global hegemonic transition demands renewed attention to state capacity, military structure, and national security paradigms. Emphasising the relevance of the regionalized irregular proxy warfare, it critiques dominant liberal approaches and argues for historically grounded, interdisciplinary research. The article calls for strategic partnerships that prioritise autonomy, institutional strengthening, and social inclusion as essential for sustainable security in the postcolonial world.

Keywords
African security; State-building; Regionalized irregular proxy warfare; Hegemonic transition; Postcolonial security studies.