Peace and Security of Africa: : Case of Horn of Africa

　　Horn of Africa is one of the most conflict-torn part of Africa. Most terrorist activities such as al Qaeda, and al Shabaab operate in Somalia destabilizing the whole Horn of Africa. South Sudan is a newly independent country that is still replete with internal conflict which has huge implications for the stability, peace and security of the region at large. Ethiopia is at the heart of the Horn of Africa; it has made peace with Eritrea just three months ago, but there are still internal instabilities.

　　Meanwhile, against aforementioned realistic background, these countries of the Horn have very good relations with China. There is huge investment of the Chinese government based on the principle of win-win cooperation between the two parties. A large number of Chinese and overseas Chinese invest, work or live in this region. The Somali pirates in this area directly threaten the safety of China’s sea cargoes and personnel passing through. The security situation of South Sudan directly affects China’s petroleum supply. Kenya plays an leading and exploratory role in China-Africa cooperation under the China’s “Belt and Road” initiative. Therefore, the security situation of the countries in the region of the Horn of Africa is closely related to China’s interest.

　　Hence, it is very significant to evaluate the security of these countries in the Horn of Africa because these instable factors directly affects a large number of Chinese investment as well as the overall development of these countries and Africa at large, which in turn will affects China’s  investment security in Africa.

　　This project will majorly conduct field investigation in Africa and China. We plan to adopt relevant sociological theories and use anthropological method of field investigation in conducting relevant research. In writing research reports, we will also introduce research methods from other disciplines including historical science, political economy, international relations, religious studies and military science. The ultimate goal of the project is to present a work that is both of theoretical significance and that will guide our efforts in addressing relevant practical problems discussed in the research.