ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the conception of security in West Africa and how it has been institutionalised in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It seeks to address the puzzle of why ECOWAS, originally created as a regional economic organisation, has shifted its focus to security regionalism. It is well established that regional politics have been attracting increasing attention, as scholars and practitioners realize a ‘one size fits all’ approach based on the European experience is conceptually biased and inefficient from a policy perspective. Taking this into account, this study draws on constructivist assumptions that cooperation and regionalism cannot be understood or explained without reference to the role of ideas, norms and emerging regional identities. 1 Indeed, it posits that regional organisations are the institutionalisation of the diffuse and socially constructed worldviews of its member states. To this end, it is focused on exploring the security worldview of ECOWAS member states and how it has, or has not, informed their practice of conflict management. It will thus address the following questions: What are the stated security aims in ECOWAS treaties and protocols? Is security understood as state security or as human security? What is included or excluded as a security threat? Beyond its rhetoric, is this conception of security implemented in practice?
