EXTERNAL INTERVENTIONS IN THE SAHEL

A CLAUSEWITZIAN APPROACH TO THE GEOPOLITICS O THE REGION

Abstract

This article analyzes external interventions in the Sahel
region through the lens of Carl von Clausewitz’s military theory,
focusing on contemporary geopolitical dynamics. The Sahel, a region
plagued by insecurity, armed conflicts, and political instability, has seen
increasing foreign involvement from both regional and global powers.
These interventions are frequently justified under the pretexts of
combating terrorism, stabilizing governments, and securing resources.
However, they often reveal underlying geopolitical motives that go
beyond the initial justifications of peacekeeping and humanitarian aid.
By applying Clausewitz's concepts of war, politics, and strategy, this
paper examines how external actors engage with the Sahel conflict,
their strategic objectives, and the impact of their actions on regional
stability. It also explores the tensions between the political and military
aspects of intervention, and its consequences for local populations and
state sovereignty. The findings highlight the continuing relevance of
Clausewitz’s theories in understanding modern interventions and their
complex interplay with global power structures.