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Failed International Interventions and the Making of New Social Contracts in Mali

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Mali's 2020 coup brought Colonel Assimi Goïta to power. Despite security crises and economic struggles, Goïta enjoys strong public support, substantially exceeding that enjoyed by the ousted, democratically elected leader. In exploring this paradox, this article argues that Goïta has crafted a new social contract based not on public services but on a strongman narrative, portraying himself as Mali's defender. The regime has leveraged dissatisfaction with international interventions to frame Goïta as an `exceptional man' in `exceptional times', in ways that resonate with Malian myths and traditions. This has important ramifications for debates about African agencies and international interventions.

Source: Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding

DOI: 10.1080/17502977.2025.2461295

Authors: Morten Bøås, Viljar Haavik

Institution: Norwegian Institute of International Affairs

Language: English

Topic: Political Conflict and Governance

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Norges Forskningsråd