Development, Social Justice and Conflict Prevention in Africa
A Theoretical Reframing
Obasesam Okoi author Colins Imoh author ies Velthuizen author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Publishing:23rd Dec '26
£171.99
This title is due to be published on 23rd December, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
This book advances a new theory of preventive development that reconsiders the relationship between development, social justice, and conflict prevention in Africa.
It argues that sustainable peace depends not simply on economic growth or security interventions, but on institutions that promote equity, political inclusion, legitimacy, and human dignity. Drawing on political philosophy, development studies, peace and conflict studies, and African political thought, the book develops an integrated account of how justice serves as the institutional foundation of sustainable peace. Through comparative analyses of Nigeria’s Niger Delta, Tanzania, South Africa, and the Great Lakes region, it demonstrates how governance, resource distribution, political representation, environmental stewardship, and human capabilities shape trajectories of peace and conflict across the continent. By bringing together debates in development, social justice, and peacebuilding that have largely evolved in isolation, the book offers a new theoretical account of the institutional conditions under which development contributes to conflict prevention and sustainable peace.
Combining expert analysis with practical insights, this essential volume bridges theory and practice for scholars, students, and policymakers across African politics, development, conflict and peace studies. It provides vital perspectives for those seeking to address regional conflicts and build more equitable, peaceful societies.
'Development, Social Justice and Conflict Prevention in Africa: A Theoretical Reframing is a timely, original, and intellectually significant contribution to contemporary scholarship. By introducing the concept of preventive development, the book provides a compelling framework that illuminates the crucial interplay among development, social justice, and peacebuilding. Drawing on rich empirical insights and diverse theoretical traditions, it convincingly positions Africa as a primary site of knowledge production and theoretical innovation. Rigorous, scholarly, and deeply relevant, this work is an indispensable resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners alike. It has the potential to fundamentally shape scholarly discourse and policy debates for years to come.'
- Dr Victoria Showunmi SFHEA, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Gender, Race and Identity, Vice Dean Equity Inclusion and Diversity, Chair Athena Swan UCL IOE
'The transdisciplinary approach of the chapters exposes the limits of silo approaches in addressing development, social justice and conflict prevention in Africa. In this respect, the contributors provide a stringent critique of Western wisdom and the need to be alert to the dangers of applying concepts uncritically. Policymakers, practitioners and students concerned with Africa will find this collection refreshing, liberating and empowering.'
– Prof. Teboho J. Lebakeng, Professor of Security and Intelligence at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, UNISA
'Imoh, Okoi, and Velthuizen offer a bold, timely exploration of the links between development, social justice, and conflict prevention in Africa. Drawing on Fraser’s justice triad, capabilities theory, and African relational philosophy, they show that peace is more than the absence of conflict, it is a product of equitable governance. Essential reading for scholars, practitioners and policymakers alike.'
- Samuel Gbaydee Doe, PhDResident Representative United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ethiopia
ISBN: 9781041101352
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
202 pages