Escalation and resolution of border disputes and interstate conflicts in Africa the Malawi--Tanzania Case

Border disputes cause strife worldwide, especially in underdeveloped countries. In Africa, border disputes are commonplace, and they produce bitter conflicts and tribulations. This thesis investigates the border dispute between Malawi and Tanzania over Lake Nyasa. It argues that the protracted dispute is the result of inaction and poor leadership, rather than 'colonial legacy.' Using game theory, this thesis demonstrates that partial sum games produce the best path for resolving this border dispute through communication and cooperation. Furthermore, the thesis argues that the establishment of democracy and rule of law, responsible leadership, and strong political will should create the conditions for successful compromise between the two countries. Without a negotiated settlement, Malawi and Tanzania's border dispute will continue to affect relations between the two countries and deplete natural resources in and around the lake.

Department dc:contributor.department

Defense Analysis (DA)

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Msafiri, Fulgence S.

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Gregg, Heather
• Giordano, Frank

Statement dc:rights

• This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/5701

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/5701