The African Union: Challenges of globalization, security, and governance Samuel M. Makinda and F. Wafula Okumu The African is an organization with ambitious objectives and principles of integrating Africa. Its creation in 2002 was a reaction to global challenges that called for concerted and serious efforts to improve the livelihoods of the African people through the promotion of peace, good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and gender equality. Using a groundbreaking approach, this book argues that globalization, security, and governance are interrelated. To benefit from this interrelationship, African states need to build viable institutions and invest adequately in knowledge and innovations. The book argues that the lack of a clear African approach to building and sustaining institutions has led to the creation of structures that impede, rather than accelerate, development, democratization, and the promotion of justice. This is valuable book for students, teachers, researchers, diplomats, civil society organizations, African policy makers, and anyone interested in the future of Africa. Samuel M. Makinda is Professor of Security Studies and International Relations at Murdoch University, Perth, Australia. F. Wafula Okumu is the Head of African Security Analysis Programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria, South Africa.