Western attitudes

Abstract

As the twentieth century approaches its end the increasing collapse of formerly accepted frameworks and patterns of behaviour represented, for example, by the growth of ethnic cleansing, the breakdown of law and order in an ever lengthening number of small and not so small states, the increase of both fundamentalism and terrorism with their accompanying violence and the emergence of semi-autonomous, and often highly dangerous, groups such as the drug cartels within states between them put at risk communities, minorities, mining and other vested interests and sometimes the state itself. In such a deteriorating climate the need for military establishments which are both loyal and effective is at a premium and if, as we have seen in Angola, Comoros, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea or Sierra Leone law and order breaks down to whom or to what may such governments turn for assistance? There are a number of choices available though, on examination, their availability is either a mirage or it depends upon a bargain with a price tag that even a country in trouble is unwilling to pay. Assistance may be obtained, in theory if not always in practice, from the following: the major powers, either working in concert or individually; regional powers such as Nigeria or South Africa on the African continent; the United Nations; immediate neighbours; major regional organizations such as the Organization of Africam Unity (OAU), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), or sub-regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).