Book

West Africa has long faced recurring political crises, civil wars, military coups, and democratic disruptions that continue to challenge regional stability. In response to these threats, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has emerged as one of Africa’s most active regional organizations in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and democratic governance. Yet behind the institutional framework of ECOWAS lies a critical question: to what extent does regional stability depend on the leadership of a dominant state? Hegemonic Influence and Regional Crisis Management: A Neo-Institutionalist Analysis of Nigeria’s Role in ECOWAS examines Nigeria’s position as the most influential power in West Africa and its impact on regional crisis management. With its large population, economic resources, and significant military capabilities, Nigeria has played a central role in shaping ECOWAS responses to conflicts and political instability across the region. Drawing on hegemonic stability theory and neo-institutionalist perspectives, this book explores how power, institutions, and regional cooperation interact in the management of security challenges. Through analysis of key ECOWAS interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Gambia, and Mali, the study shows how Nigeria’s leadership has influenced peacekeeping operations, diplomatic mediation, and the enforcement of democratic norms. The book also examines the limits of hegemonic leadership. Domestic political pressures, financial constraints, institutional procedures within ECOWAS, and the interests of member states often shape and sometimes constrain Nigeria’s ability to act decisively. Combining theoretical analysis with empirical evidence, the book contributes to debates on regional power, institutional cooperation, and crisis management and will interest scholars, policymakers, and researchers of international relations, African politics, regional organizations, and security studies.