The Security Dilemma and Conflict in Cote d’Ivoire

Abstract

In October of 2002 Cote d'Ivoire fell into a state of near civil war and the situation remains tenuous. Until recently, Cote d'Ivoire was considered to be one of the most stable West African countries, but fractious relations between so-called étrangèrs, typically of Burkina Faso and Malian heritage, and those of "pure-blooded" Ivoirite led to open conflict. This study seeks to thoroughly examine the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire. The paper will provide both a historical examination of the roots of the conflict and an overview of all the actors that are involved in the conflict. The study will analyze the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire through the theoretical framework of the security dilemma.