Rethinking Strategy in the Quest for African State Capacity in Uncertain Times

Abstract

The State has been the sanctuary of humans and institutions for centuries. The threats and distractions affecting the primary functions of the Westphalian state in the delivery of its contractual relationship with its inhabitants keep undergoing mutations that are both internally and externally generated and sustained. Through the employment of qualitative research tools, this study rediscovered the neglect of strategy – with its classic and intrinsic values – as the lead reason for state incapacities. It arrives at the recommendation for an invigoration of the study and use of strategy as well as the adoption and living of its rudiments as a central value-system of states in uncertain times.