International Law and Boundary Disputes in Africa (Routledge Research in International Law)

Book Details
• Book Name: African Territorial Boundaries and International Law
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 9781138713093
• Writer: Oduntan, Gbenga
• Book Edition: 1
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Pages: 410
• Binding: Paperback
• Subject/Category: African Territorial Disputes, International Law, Political Science, Jurisprudence

Description
African Territorial Boundaries and International Law provides an in-depth analysis of the territorial and maritime boundary disputes in Africa, rooted in the continent's colonial and post-colonial history. Gbenga Oduntan critically examines the legal, political, and historical dimensions of these disputes, focusing on the application of international law in resolving territorial issues within the African context.

The book explores central concepts of international law, such as sovereignty and jurisdiction, alongside socio-political factors like colonialism, ethnicity, nationality, and self-determination. Oduntan argues that the foreign-based mechanisms traditionally used to adjudicate African boundary disputes often alienate African peoples from the processes, contributing to the recurrence of conflicts. The book suggests that multidisciplinary dispute resolution strategies, tailored to the African context, can offer a more holistic approach to managing territorial disputes.

Key Features:
• Legal and Political Insights: The book delves into the critical principles of international law, including sovereignty, jurisdiction, and self-determination, as they apply to territorial disputes in Africa.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: A unique synthesis of law, anthropology, and socio-political studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of territorial conflicts.
• Critique of Foreign-Based Mechanisms: Oduntan critiques the reliance on foreign-based adjudication for African boundary disputes and advocates for a more indigenous, context-sensitive approach.
• Practical Relevance: The book is invaluable for researchers, students, and practitioners in the fields of African and Public International Law, International Relations, and anyone interested in the resolution of territorial disputes globally.

This book is a vital resource for anyone studying African territorial disputes, international law, and the interplay between legal systems and socio-political factors in conflict resolution.